Photo by Bernadette Gavin-Palmier
Three resorts and inns welcome guests with Irish hospitality, rolling landscapes, and family festivals throughout the year.
What the Borscht Belt is to the Jews is what East Durham, also known as the Irish Alps, is to the Irish. With its sprawling green mountains and elevated terrain, it’s no surprise that the Irish community gravitated toward their own tiny slice of bucolic heaven after World War II.
According to Kevin Ferguson, who directed the 2016 documentary The Irish Catskills: Dancing at the Crossroads, there were once as many as 50 Irish-themed inns dotted around East Durham, and now there remains only a handful of resorts still standing. These resort-owners take great pride in their presence despite the odds and still manage to keep their operations “all in the family.” The dedication to multi-generational ownership throughout the years has made these resorts especially warm and inviting, which feels like something special to behold in today’s world of hospitality.
Gavin’s Country Resort & Inn
Cornwallville
This all-inclusive resort is one of the original Irish immigrant hotels welcoming the European market to the Hudson Valley. It is now third-generation family-owned and is widely known for hosting family reunions for Irish families from all over the map. Open to all who want to have an Irish experience, Gavin’s has attracted tons of visitors for their annual music festival “Gavinstock” and their Guinness October Fest every Columbus Day Weekend. Insider’s tip: get the baked goods! Fresh scones and bread are made on-site and sold to hotel patrons and mainstream supermarkets throughout the area.
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Blackthorne Resort
East Durham
Blackthorne Resort is most akin to a summer camp for Irish families. This family-owned establishment has tons of activities to foster intergenerational hangs during reunions. From tractor hayrides for the kids to a pool with a pavilion and tiki bar, there’s no shortage of things to do here. Did we mention the top-notch Irish entertainment year-round? For more outdoorsy patrons, they also offer on-site campgrounds near natural creeks and swimming holes so guests can still enjoy the amenities of the hotel. St. Patrick’s Day is the biggest celebration of them all.
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The Shamrock House
East Durham
Known for warm Irish hospitality and their often-frequented restaurant, The Shamrock House is another mainstay in East Durham. A weekend spent at The Shamrock includes time at trivia nights, line-dancing classes and listening to live Celtic music. The Shamrock House also hosts a variety of weddings, bachelorette parties, and family reunions. Yes, there’s a pattern here! If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by the hotel’s restaurant for a pint and a cup of chili. On St. Patrick’s Day, the hotel hosts an annual corned beef and cabbage dinner, in addition to Irish dancing.
