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 205 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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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"Pastelaria Mexicana" Lisbon is a Portugese family run fine pastry shop near Londes square. I'd suggest going for cake with a cup of cold milk- heavenly!
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"Tapada das Necessidades" is one of Lisbon's parks that are hidden in plain sight. It's a great place for a walk or picnic with great views over the city.
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"O Careca" Lisbon is a place where I'd highly recommend to drop by if you like yourself a delicious freshly baked croissant! A cozy spot to start the day
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The "Campo de Ourique Market" was recently reborn; it's no longer a market: now 30-40-somethings go there to enjoy themselves at the bars & restaurants.
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"Bairro de Alfama" is a spot that offers a picture-perfect view of the city of Lisbon, putting its beauty into perspective...
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"Bairro Alto" Lisbon is a neighborhood located on one of the hills, a trendy and pleasant quarter where designers and intellectuals reside
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205 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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