Thanks Michele.

The only concern with being charged the 3000, then getting it refunded if no damage is the conversion from Euro to USD.  When we went on our last trip, the Dooley Fuel Fee was charged and then they refunded it.  Due to differences in the conversion rate, we still wound up paying a small amount.  Like the charge came to $120 USD but the credit was only $117 USD.  Not sure if those were the exact figures, but you get the idea.

In my case it's slightly different. I will not be using CC coverage, but rather Rental Car Damage coverage that is part of the Trip Insurance (Worldwide Traveler Protection Plus) that I purchased for this trip. Below is the text of the coverage pertaining to Rental Car Damage, which is part of this Trip Insurance:

COVERAGE N
RENTAL CAR DAMAGE
You are eligible for benefits up to the Maximum Benefit Amount shown in the Confirmation of
Benefits, if You rent a car while on Your Trip, and the car is damaged due to collision, theft,
vandalism, windstorm, fire, hail, flood or any cause not in Your control while in Your possession, or
the car is stolen while in Your possession and is not recovered.
We will pay the lesser of:
a. the cost of repairs and rental charges imposed by the rental company while the car is being
repaired;
b. the Actual Cash Value of the car; or
c. the amount shown in the Confirmation of Benefits.
Coverage is provided to You, provided You are a licensed driver and are listed on the rental
agreement.
Coverage is not provided for loss due to:
1. any obligation of You, a Traveling Companion or Family Member traveling with You assumed
under any agreement (except insurance collision deductible);
2. rentals of trucks, campers, trailers, motor bikes, motorcycles, recreational vehicles or Exotic
Vehicles;
3. any loss which occurs if You or anyone traveling with You are in violation of the rental
agreement;
4. failure to report the loss to the proper local authorities and the rental car company;
5. damage to any other vehicle, structure or person as a result of a covered loss;
6. any loss as the result of or attributed to driving the rental vehicle: while under the influence of
alcohol or any illegal substance or the abuse of a legal substance; while using any medication
which recommends abstinence from driving; in a speed competition; for compensation for hire;
for illegal trade purposes, or transporting contraband;
7. any loss as the result of physical damage or loss attributed to: mechanical failure or
breakdown of the rental vehicle; wear and tear, gradual deterioration, corrosion, rust or
freezing; any neglect or abuse of the vehicle; any dishonest act or conversion; any
consequence of war (declared or otherwise); or contamination by a radioactive material.
Exotic Vehicles means Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Auburn, Avanti, Bentley, Bertone,
BMC/Leyland, BMW M Series, Bradley, Bricklin, Clenet, Corvette, Cosworth, De Lorean, Excalibre,
Ferrari, Iso, Jaguar, Jensen Healy, Lamborghini. Lancia, Lotus, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, MG,
Morgan, Pantera, Panther, Pininfarina, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Rover, Stutz, Sterling, Triumph, and
TVR, or any antique or any car with a Manufacturers Suggested retail Price (MSRP) over $50,000.
ADDITIONAL CLAIMS PROVISIONS SPECIFIC TO RENTAL CAR DAMAGE
The following outlines Your duties in the event of any damage to the vehicle. You must:
a) Take all necessary and reasonable steps to protect the vehicle and prevent further damage to
it;
b) Report the loss to the appropriate local authorities and the rental company as soon as
possible;
T210-IP-WTPP-FL 22
c) Obtain all information on any other party involved in the Accident, such as name, address,
insurance information and drivers license number;
d) Provide Us all documentation such as rental agreement, police report and damage estimate.
These benefits will not duplicate any other benefits payable under the Policy or any coverage(s)
attached to the Policy.

I have not stayed in Swords in several years and the place I ate I would not recommend. Generally when I am in the area I stay at Premier Inn before a flight. Suggest you ask your B and B hosts for suggestions. They rarely steer you wrong.

Near Drogheda is Monasterboice Inn. I have never had a bad meal there. Triple House in Termonfeckin has good food in an old historic building.

Yes, I set up Postcards From Ireland group on FB a while ago. Never dreamed it would have so many members.

Glad to hear it all worked out!    Sounds like you got a GREAT deal on an automatic -- Interestingly enough, the ONLY Auto I've ever driven in Ireland was a well-worn, 2010 Ford Galaxy that I rented from Hertz, in June of 2013.  I always prefer a 'seasoned' rental car, rather than one that is shiny and new, as they usually are much more forgiving of minor scratches and dings when you return it!  

I'm looking forward to your report.