Timothy,

Ireland is but one of a handful of places where VISA or AMEX cards do not cover CDW ( Jamaica, Israel, and South Africa are other examples ).

For Americans traveling to Ireland, a Master Card DOES cover the CDW in Ireland . Your easiest solution is to book your reservation with a Master Card or to apply for a Master Card and use this card to pay for the rental when you get to DUB.

If you do not use a MC, you will have to pay for the additional CDW in your rental agreement as this insurance is required in Ireland for a rental ( at least for those of us from North America ). The reason as it has been explained to me by folks at SNN when we've rented a car is that there's a relatively high rate of "damage incidents" with US drivers who have difficulty adjusting to the opposite side driving on many of Ireland's smaller and narrower lanes and roads. Seems that they drive a bit fast and get caught in tight squeezes on these hedge row and stone-lined lanes. Lots of scrapes, scratches and dents and wheel cover and tire incidents .

The first time we visit SNN, we are unaware of this situation. The folks at Malone Thrifty are apologetic, but must charge us for CDW. They upgrade our car a couple of classes as a goodwill gesture for the extra costs we incur ( and they do inspect the car very carefully for bumps and scratches when we return the rental ). For subsequent Ireland visits, we've since obtained a MC and the CDW is covered by the card.

Hope that you have a great Ireland trip. Ireland is a truly wonderful place to visit.

Barry