As someone who can read and write, I find buying a big tub of protein to be somewhat embarrassing. It's got a lot of negative, read; meathhead, connotations. Nonetheless, it's a necessary evil, and way cheaper than steak.
So I've been to Vitamin Shop twice. Despite the name, actual vitamin's only take up a small part of the shelving in this shop. The rest is devoted to various brands of creatine, protein and their derivatives.
The main selling point for this place is the owner. He's a real old style salesman; knows his regulars by name, knows his products backwards and always makes time to help you. Better yet, you always leave feeling like you got a deal. He'll throw you a sample pack of something, or give a few euro off. Although I'm sure he does the same for everyone, it's still really nice, and makes you want to come back.
The first time I went I got a free sachet of protein in a different flavour to the tub I just bought. Today, I got a fiver off and a free sachet of creatine. I don't believe in creatine, I think it's dangerous and unnatural, but I was delighted! And yes I will be using it. Freebies are above principals.
One last word of advice; a 2275g bag fits almost perfectly into a 1500g tub. So save the plastic on refill day, for like, nature and stuff.
----Edit 13/04/12
There's fifteen per cent off every Thursday. Win. read more