Ireland says YES to Lisbon
Ireland may have said NO to Lisbon the European Union treaty, but it’s saying yes to Lisbon the city. There was a time not too long ago when there were no direct flights between Dublin and Lisbon, but now Aer Lingus connects the two cities daily. Naturally, the number of Irish tourists to the Portuguese capital has increased dramatically as a result.
The question is, what took so long? After all, Lisbon is the closest European capital to Dublin after London, and being in the same time zone, that means no jet lag and a quick weekend getaway to a sunnier city.
Those who need their Guinness daily will find two Irish pubs in the Portuguese capital just for that. They’re located in Cais do Sodré, by one of the city’s main transportation hubs.
At Hennessy’s Irish Pub you can sit outside (see picture on the right) or at the dark wooden tables inside, in a lively atmosphere that often includes live Irish music.
Down the street is O’Gillins Irish Bar, also with live music on weekends, and serving light meals for those wanting to fill their stomach with more than just black beer.
In the end though, you may not even need to step into these pubs –- a good Portuguese ginginha, a Sagres, or a caipirinha in Bairro Alto will do just fine.
The proximity, the inexpensiveness, the friendly welcome, and the same time zone make Lisbon a possible home away from home for Irishmen who’ve come to say YES to Lisbon.