Falling in Love with Primark

Europe is one of my all-time favorite continents and I can never get enough of it. Meanwhile, Ireland has been a country I’ve been dying to visit. Ready for the adventure?

But are you really ready…

Ireland has had a piece of my heart for as long as I can remember. I even wanted it to be the country I visited for my future honeymoon, but it all changed with this trip. I expected SO much to the point that it was probably unhealthy. But I know now for the next one, I shouldn’t put all my eggs in one basket.

We adventured through Dublin first. I know everyone always speaks highly of its capital but our experience wasn’t the best. Restaurants closed relatively early for our dinner time (around 6pm), the streets were filthy and I think every local was just in their own world. I believe it’s a different experience for everyone, so who knows… maybe I’ll visit again sometime. I definitely need to see the Ireland I first fell in love with again for a better opinion.

Another Day, Another Dollar… or Euro?

We spent another day in the west coast of Ireland on tours, exploring and hoping for better weather than what we researched. Killarney was beautiful! There was so much nature to capture and enjoy. We hiked a waterfall, visited the Willy Wonka candy shop, possibly enjoyed a golden ticket and ate at a funky place. Can you say ‘interesting’? I think we nailed it.

The weather was very chilly and we packed light but enough that we could wear a sweater. Everything we had brought for the trip was what you would wear in a summer visiting Miami… boy, did we need to sweater up… At least some of us were prepared. If you have heard or been to Miami, you know it’s summer year round. So thick clothing doesn’t really exist.

Penneys, aka Primark

While doing some research in London, because Primark only exists in selective places in the European continent, I found a surprise! But first, some background: I discovered Primark in my trip to London when I studied abroad in 2016. It saved me because I didn’t know London was a rainy type of place and I bought the best quality rain coat there… which I still use to this day because of *cough* Miami. Ever since that trip, I bring half a luggage to travel with and half to purchase my clothes at this wonderful department store. Primark has HIGH quality clothes for LOW prices and that’s why I always went back. The sad part is that they don’t have an online store.

As I was researching Primark’s and showing them to everyone who traveled with me, I found out it originated in Ireland as Penneys. But outside of Ireland, because JC Penny existed and the name brand was too close, Penneys was changed to Primark everywhere else. So Pennys was the ORIGINAL!! How cool!

And I had to show you the storefront twice for you to really remember it!

If you ever visit Europe, mostly London or Ireland, and you find yourself in this department store, I’m sure you’ll remember me or this post!

Best. Clothes. Ever.

Drop Mic

Onto the next adventure!

Of course, tradition is to visit some type of food or beverage tour, so we did! Welcome to the Teeling Distillery, where Irish whiskey is made.

Our tour guide was hilarious! And trust, I believe they usually make or break the experience. He even photobombed my picture, so stay on the look out! Maybe you’ll have him too.

The tasting was delicious! Whiskey just keeps getting better and better. Especially since I’ve tried the original Whisky from Scotland! Have you checked out that post?

Unexpected

It’s exciting to always try new tours! I think every place has its own unique staple and Ireland definitely got better later in the trip. Never underestimate your first opinion but also take account the whole trip!

Can’t wait to see you travel! Where will you go next?