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?Â
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!
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in Lisbon
Livraria Ler Devagar – Industrial bookstore
"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.
By
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Dalà Cozinha Surreal – World cuisine
"Dalà Cozinha Surreal" in Lisbon is a restaurant whose whole concept is serving surreally creative, good food, also inspired by world cuisine!
By
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Brooklyn Café – Paradise
"Brooklyn Café" in Lisbon is a space inspired by soul music and jazz. I like their Cape Verde specialties, but this restaurant is cozy just to rest at, too
By
Sandra
Lopes
Casa dos Passarinhos – Nest of Good Food
"Casa dos Passarinhos": an honest neighborhood restaurant in Lisbon specialised in traditional & good Portuguese cuisine. Just give me their Açorda shrimp.
By
Cláudio
Carneiro
TATI – Natural wine and good food
"TATI" is a bar/restaurant in Lisbon where you will find delicious food and varied options of natural wine. Very creative menu that changes constantly!
By
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Rua Nova do Carvalho – The "pink street"
"Rua Nova do Carvalho" used to be one of the fishiest parts of Lisbon. Now things have changed - it's crowded even on weekdays! Don't miss its buzz.
By
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Loja Açores – Atlantic culture in Lisbon
"Loja Açores" Lisbon is the closest you can get to Azores islands without leaving the city. I love having their 'Bolo Lêvedo' for breakfast...
By
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
RD's Restaurante – Nepalese food
"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!
By
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Bairro de Alfama – Old and picturesque
"Bairro de Alfama" is a spot that offers a picture-perfect view of the city of Lisbon, putting its beauty into perspective...
By
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Artisani homemade ice-cream – Frozen and delicious
"Artisani Homemade Ice-cream" Lisbon makes ice cream 'all-Portuguese': they only use 'vigor' milk & 'luso' water. They have unusual but delicious flavors!
By
Cláudio
Carneiro
O Descobre – A tasty discovery
"O Descobre" is a 2-in-1 Lisbon restaurant and gourmet shop. This place reminded me of Alentejo due to its friendly service, cozy atmosphere & great food.
By
Erik
Lassche
Casa do Alentejo – Restaurant, palace & tradition
"Casa do Alentejo" in Lisbon is a place dedicated to the Portuguese region of the same name. Tip: go to the restaurant, try the tomato soup. Delicious!
By
Alexandre
Cotovio
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