He Left New York to Open an Irish Bar in Lisbon

Meet Fergal Titley, a Dubliner, actor and bar owner who spent 13 years living in New York before leaving it all behind to start again in Lisbon.

In this extended People Of Lisbon conversation, Fergal talks about growing up in Glasnevin, training as an actor, life in New York, his playwright father, Samuel Beckett, Irishness, moving to Lisbon and turning a long-held idea into reality with the opening of The Wake — his Irish bar at the top of a Lisbon hill.

We also talk about what makes a truly great Irish bar, the meaning behind The Wake, creating a sense of comfort and community, and, naturally, the art of pouring a proper pint of Guinness.

This is the longer, rough-cut conversation behind our People Of Lisbon film — more stories, more tangents and more time with Fergal.

People Of Lisbon is supported by Practice Portuguese, Fresh Portugal and Moviinn.