The Chieftains to Oulu in October!

Described by fans as "original, full of craic, welcoming and intimate", the Irish Festival of Oulu is known for showcasing the biggest and freshest names in the Irish music world.

Highly acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist John Doyle, the groundbreaking band Flook and the highly talented Réalta team up with local bands for three evenings of the very best of traditional Irish music. Six-time Grammy award winning band The Chieftain make their way to Oulu for what promises to be a spectacular performance at Oulu Music Centre.

Praised for its versatile programme, the festival includes a wide range of Irish cultural events for everyone including storytelling for grown-ups and children, a weekend of various courses including storytelling, music workshops, dance course, an Irish language course and an Irish cooking course. Irish Film Week also has a programme packed with award-winning films. Pat Kinevane returns to the Oulu stage to perform his highly acclaimed theatre performance Forgotten. Irish poet Leontia Flynn adds her name to the impressive line of eminent Irish poets who have read their poetry at the festival. Singer-songwriter Steafán Hanvey presents the critically acclaimed multimedia performance lecture, Look Behind You!™ A Father and Son’s Impressions of ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland Through Photograph and Song. Oulu Irish Elks GAA football club is hosting its first All Finland GAA football tournament, the world's most northerly GAA football tournament. Multiple daily sessions make for a long weekend full of opportunities for musicians to meet and enjoy the best of the Irish music tradition.

Tervetuloa, fáilte, welcome to Oulu, Finland.