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 208 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Gelados Conchanata" Lisbon is a original gelato bar opened by the Tarlattini's in 1948, offering a rich selection of the Italian favorites. My favorite!
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"Jorge D'Amália" is a tasca in Lisbon that serves amazing bitoques, steaks with a horseback fried egg. In my opinion it doesn't get more Lisboan than this.
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"Miradouro Keil do Amaral" in Lisbon goes completely unnoticed in the middle of Monsanto forest... I think it's a magical place where I go to just relax.
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The "Carmo Archaeological Museum", built at an old church that barely survived the 1755 earthquake, enchants me every time I visit. Open-air concerts, too!
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"Marvila & Beato" are two neighborhoods in Lisbon going through beautiful and well-thought out gentrification which when done bad has spoilt other places.
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"Jardim do Cerco da Graça" is the biggest green area inside the historical zone in Lisbon. I'm very proud about writing and enjoying this spot!
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"Dalí Cozinha Surreal" in Lisbon is a restaurant whose whole concept is serving surreally creative, good food, also inspired by world cuisine!
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"Livraria Ler Devagar" Lisbon is inside a giant factory that was once abandoned. What I love about the bookstore/cafe? The 'Gepeto meets industrial' vibe.
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"Museu do Oriente" Lisbon has the best brunch in town. I like to book the 14:30 - 17:00 slot and skip lunch....
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"Mercearia do Páteo Alfacinha" Lisbon is a old restaurant that's been around since 1981 which has a piece of history attached to it and a delicious menu!
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"Casa do Lago" is a bar/restaurant in Lisbon in Jardin do Campo Grande. I love combining a boat trip with a passage from the terrace and having a coffee!
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"Hub New Lisbon" is a hostel with a nice view and other attractions, but what does it for me is their ball pit - just bring your socks and lots of energy!
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208 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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