Getting off ferry from uk in Dublin - need lodging and transport - is there bus service from docks?

I really don't think there's an advantage to waiting until you get there and walking around. Dublin is a very popular destination. If you're unlucky and are hitting a day when there's a big-deal concert going on, or something similar, your walk-around-and-look-for-something technique may yield a lot of frustration. With a website like booking.com you can see quickly what is available at what location and at what price.