What is the IFS? There are two versions on how the Irish-Finnish Society originated, depending on who is telling the story. The first one goes like this: There was a group of young men, Finns and Irishmen with a link with Finland, who had sauna evenings together. During these sessions the idea of starting more organised meetings and activities came about, eventually leading to the formation of the Society The second version goes as follows: There were a few Finnish women who went to keep fit classes together. After the exercises they usually went to O’Brien’s pub. Soon their husbands and boyfriends were joining them for the latter part of the evening. The group grew bigger and as time went by, the idea of forming a Society evolved. Which of these stories is true? I think in a way they both are. However, what is important is that the Irish-Finnish Society was formed as a result of a growing need to have an organisation under whose auspices the Finns and friends of Finland in Ireland could meet, get to know and socialise with one another... Right click here to download a membership form Organisation: Founded in 1978, currently approx. 150 family and individual members. The Society is run by a Committee of up to seven members, elected every year at the Annual General Meeting. The aims of the Society are to encourage and promote friendship, knowledge and understanding between Finnish and Irish people and to keep the Finnish community in Ireland in contact with itself. To this end it organises social events and outings. Activities: Lectures and discussions, outings, Finnish music, celebration of important dates on the Finnish calendar such as Independence Day, May Day and Midsummer. Newsletters: These are sent out regularly, informing members about forthcoming events. There is an archive of past Newsletters elsewhere on this site.