Just to be fair I visited my local tackle shop,
Peter Horne in Blarney, last saturday to compare prices. I mentioned only that I was interested in some kit like the Penn deals on offer in the magazines. He presented me with a range choices from an ABU Zeus to one of the Penn PPT models in the price range of EUR250 - EUR400. The price includes a Penn 525 MAG. He explained that he had to match the mail order prices from the UK dealers.
I eventually opted for a Penn Vendetta with a 525 MAG at a price of about EUR290. I bought some other gear so it might be as low as EUR285. This price certainly matches, if not beats, the UK price of ST£205, especially if one were to add the post and package costs. Even having to buy the llne seperately I'm still quids in

.
At times we are prone to slag off our local tackle dealers for the prices they charge.
So now I would like to congratulate Peter for the value he is offering. As for the the rest of the tackle dealers. Understand that anglers would prefer to buy from them. But don't take us for a ride. Bite the bullet, compete with the UK dealers and you won't find us wanting.