Best Place to Be

PORTUGAL - Baz Ashmawy lands in Lisbon for an EXCLUSIVE documentary episode where he chats with Tallaght bar owner Peter Jaeger O'Connor and Galway expat Neil Duggan, fresh off buying a city apartment. This RTE One entertainment feature blends Irish charm with Portuguese flair, delivering the perfect quick‑read highlight for UK television guides and UK viewers.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Portugal: A Lisbon Adventure with BAZ ASHMAWY is a one‑hour documentary‑style episode that follows the charismatic Irish presenter as he explores the capital city of Portugal. The programme blends travel, culture and personal stories, spotlighting the lively neighbourhood of Alfama, the historic tram routes and the modern culinary scene. UK viewers are invited to accompany Baz on a journey that feels both intimate and expansive, offering full details of Lisbon’s hidden gems while weaving in the perspectives of two Irish expatriates who have made the city their home. WHAT TO EXPECT In this episode Baz Ashmawy meets bar owner PETER JAeger O’CONNOR, a charismatic entrepreneur originally from Tallaght who has transformed a modest cellar bar into a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike. Their conversation reveals the challenges of running a business in a foreign language, the importance of community, and the unique blend of Irish humour with Portuguese hospitality. The episode also follows NEIL DUGGAN from Galway, who recently purchased a stylish apartment in the historic Baixa district. Neil shares his motivations for relocating, the practicalities of buying property abroad, and his favourite neighbourhood haunts, from pastel de nata cafés to fado houses. Interspersed with stunning aerial footage and on‑the‑ground interviews, the programme offers a comprehensive guide to Lisbon’s cultural landscape, making it a perfect in‑depth review for British TV fans who love travel documentaries. KEY FEATURES The series stands out for its high‑production values, featuring cinematic cinematography, a carefully curated soundtrack of contemporary Portuguese music, and authentic storytelling that avoids the typical tourist‑cliché approach. The cast – Baz, Peter and Neil – bring genuine chemistry, their Irish roots providing a relatable lens for UK viewers while highlighting the cross‑cultural connections that enrich the experience. The episode balances entertaining moments with informative segments, delivering a full‑fledged entertainment documentary that feels both educational and lively. It also incorporates interactive maps and QR‑code links for viewers who wish to explore the featured locations further, a modern touch that enhances the television guide experience. WHY WATCH For discerning UK television audiences, this programme offers more than a simple travelogue; it is a deep dive into the lived experience of expatriates navigating a new city, resonating with anyone curious about relocation, property investment or cultural immersion. The blend of personal narrative, culinary exploration and historical context makes it an ideal watch for fans of drama‑infused documentaries and entertainment that respects the intelligence of its audience. Moreover, the episode’s focus on community, resilience and the joy of discovery aligns with the values that British TV viewers cherish, providing both inspiration and practical insight for future trips to Portugal. RTE One PROGRAMMING CONTEXT PORTUGAL: A LISBON ADVENTURE WITH BAZ ASHMAWY fits seamlessly into the RTE One programming schedule, joining a tradition of high‑quality travel and documentary series that have long appealed to UK viewers. Positioned alongside flagship programmes such as “Countryfile” and “The Travel Show”, this episode adds a fresh European perspective, enriching the RTE One lineup with a compelling blend of entertainment, cultural education and genuine human stories. It reinforces the channel’s commitment to delivering comprehensive guides and in‑depth reviews that satisfy the appetite of British TV audiences for thoughtful, well‑produced content.