Although many people immediately thinks of Fado when they first visit Lisbon, there was music already here from the old Celtic tribes that once lived in Lusitania (the territory we now know as Portugal) that is still in our DNA nowadays. Could this explain the melancholia of Fado (that in Gaelic means "long ago")? Lots of coincidences, but no one knows. One thing is for sure: Portuguese folklore could easily be confused with the Celtic folk that you hear in Ireland or Scotland. Yes, We have bagpipes too!
In 1995, the Irish Sessions started, but they didn't last long. In 2007, Cesar Pimentel had the idea of restarting the jams and soon the "Irish Sessions of Lisbon" were born in a local Irish Pub every Monday. At first, they were just a few, but soon it became bigger.
There's the Irish concertina, a fiddle, guitars, mandolins, thin whistles and banjos. For me, this is one of the best nights of live music in Lisbon. It's free and more spontaneous than other concerts, and everyone is welcome to join. Aren't you curious to watch Portuguese playing Irish reels, jigs and fiddle tunes?
Every time I have the chance I go there to take the dust out of my mandolin and join the jam.
Make sure you don't miss it! Every Monday at 21:30 at O'Gillins Irish Pub!
Find your way with 206 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Choupana Caffe" in Lisbon makes some amazing brunch - in my opinion, the best in town. My favorites are the scones, the croissants & the fresh juices...
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"Royal Café" is a nice, almost hidden place to have breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack in Lisbon. Their main specialties are natural, organic products.
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"Village Underground" Lisbon is a creative incubator space, a co-working community & an events destination. I just love the progressive vibe of the place.
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"RD's Restaurante" is THE Nepalese restaurant in the city. I love their momos in every version. Very tasty and great if you're on a budget!
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MAAT, a stunning modern building in Lisbon, offers a permanent exhibition on electricity and rotating art shows. Enjoy the river views and café afterward!
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Lisbon was sleeping while some of the new urban artists and graffiti artists were painting and drawing over vacant buildings in town...
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"Conserveira de Lisboa" Lisbon is a traditional grocery shop located in the city centre offering an excellent selection of local products and fresh stock.
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"Mercado de Alvalade Norte" Lisbon is a local market offering a selection of fresh live stock and delicious bites, featuring anything from fish to fruits!
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"Barbearia Campos" in Lisbon is one of Europe's oldest barber shops. Come here, get freshened up like the famous and start feeling the pulse of the city!
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"Caza das Vellas Loreto" Lisbon was founded on the same day of the French Revolution. They light their candles for all sorts of events and is beautiful...
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"The Amoreiras Wall" is a huge mural, perhaps the biggest graffiti wall in the Iberian Peninsula, and most definitely in Lisbon, an open-air museum!
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206 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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