Welcome to
The Irish Festival of Oulu 2009

Welcome to the 4th annual Irish Festival of Oulu, bringing the City a colourful weekend of lively events and cultural entertainment for all ages. Organised by The Irish Music Society of Oulu, the festival celebrates the richness of Irish culture including dance, poetry, film, and plenty of world class Irish music.

The festival is once again bringing the hooley (party) to Oulu, Finland with world class bands: London-Irish 'Psycho-Ceilídh' punk band NECK; the world renowned spectacular Irish/World band Kíla; the highly talented Sean Nós (traditional style) singer/musician Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde; and one of the most exciting and talented bands to hit the traditional Irish music scene for many years, At First Light. These artists will deliver high octane, entertaining performances during the festival.

The festival is delighted to be screening Dambé - The Mali Project directed and filmed by Dearbhla Glynn and produced by Vanessa Gildea, both of who are attending the festival. The documentary follows Irish musicians Liam O’Maonlaí and Paddy Keenan as they embark on a musical adventure to Mali, the Heart of Africa. Irish poetry has become a festival highlight and we welcome world renowned Irish poet Michael Longley and highly regarded Irish cultural critic Edna Longley who will both be giving presentations at the festival. The events, featuring music as well as poetry, are sure to build on the success of the previous festival, with the continuing cooperation of Oulu University and the Irish Embassy in Finland.

Join us at the Family Fair, an outdoor event for the whole family featuring Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Terriers, Connemara Ponies, Gaelic Games, storytelling, Irish music and much more. Lively traditional Irish music sessions are on daily and open to everyone. The festival features the incredibly talented local Irish bands Cascade, The Soap Pig, The Brogues, Fitzgerald/Cassidy/Suvanto, and Yläsiirtola Ramblers as well as numerous workshops, a weekend dance course, films, and much more.

Come to Oulu, Finland and enjoy the northernmost Irish festival in the world.