About Gavin’s Irish Country Inn

The Story of Gavin’s Irish Country Inn

A Legacy That Began in 1923

Gavin’s Irish Country Inn has welcomed guests since 1923, originally opening as the Golden Hill House, founded by the Scutt Family. In the 1940s, Mary Hartnett-Boyle, a pioneering Irish woman from Brosna, County Kerry, Ireland, immigrated to New York City and became the inn’s new owner—making it both Irish and woman-owned.

In 1961, Nellie and Jim Gavin—Irish immigrants from County Mayo who raised their family in Yonkers, NY, as bar owners—purchased the Golden Hill House and gave it their family name, transforming it into Gavin’s Golden Hill House.

An Inn Rooted in Immigration

Gavin’s is proud to be an “Immigration Inn.” From 1923 through 1970, countless guests enjoyed their very first vacation here, many of them working-class immigrants or families in the trades and hospitality industries. Over generations, our guests and their families have grown into successful, highly educated Irish Americans—yet Gavin’s has remained true to its welcoming, home-away-from-home spirit.

Continual Upgrades and Timeless Hospitality

Through the years, Gavin’s Irish Country Inn has expanded and improved its accommodations, now offering many more amenities than in the early days. Our ongoing renovation efforts have already refreshed about 25% of our 60 guest rooms and added over seven unique suites. We’ve also enhanced our Main Lobby—once a farmhouse—and transformed our Tea Room, a former barn or carriage house, into a cozy gathering space.

Recent upgrades include new awnings, updated common areas, and more—yet we proudly maintain the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has always set Gavin’s apart.

A True Catskills Tradition

Gavin’s isn’t a luxury resort—and we don’t strive to be. Instead, we offer the kind of comfortable, heartfelt hospitality you’d expect at grandma’s house. Guests often tell us, “It’s the best vacation I’ve ever had,” or call Gavin’s their “happy place.” We cherish these words and honor our deep roots—knowing that generations of Irish immigrants and Irish-American families have made memories here.

Reunions from all over the country (and beyond) come to East Durham—often called “more Irish than Ireland”—to reconnect with heritage and tradition. We’re proud to be part of this legacy and strive to keep the spirit alive for the next generation.

Three Generations and Counting

Today, Gavin’s is run by third-generation innkeepers Brian and Bernadette, who are raising their four children here. The entire family is deeply involved in the inn’s daily life and dedicated to continuing the tradition for years to come. Staying at Gavin’s is like stepping into living history—a chance to appreciate the sacrifices and stories of those who came before us.

At Gavin’s and throughout the Catskills, Irish immigrants and Irish-American families have always found a place where they can truly feel at home. Book your stay and experience the heritage, heart, and hospitality that have made Gavin’s Irish Country Inn a cherished destination since 1923.