Our story
About Gavin’s Irish Country Inn
Three generations of Gavins, a century-old farmhouse inn and the kind of welcome you’d expect at grandma’s house.
Gavin's Irish Country Inn is a family-owned, all-inclusive Irish resort in East Durham, NY — the Catskills' "Irish Alps." Opened in 1923 as the Golden Hill House and run by the Gavin family since 1961, it offers 60 rooms, three home-cooked meals a day, live Irish music in Gavin's Pub, a heated pool and 20 acres for family reunions, weddings, festivals and getaways.
A true Catskills tradition
Gavin’s isn’t a luxury resort — and we don’t strive to be. 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 those words and honor our 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 that legacy and to keep the spirit alive for the next generation.
Three generations and counting
The family today
Gavin’s is run by third-generation innkeepers Brian and Bernadette, who are raising their four children here. The whole family is involved in the inn’s daily life and dedicated to carrying the tradition forward. Staying at Gavin’s is like stepping into living history — a chance to appreciate the sacrifices and stories of those who came before us.
The family and staff you’ll meet include Innkeeper Bernadette, who plans every group and wedding, along with familiar faces guests mention by name in their reviews — Kathleen, Lou, Sean & Mary and Andrew.
The second generation still sets the bar: Jack Gavin co-founded the East Durham Irish Festival in 1977 — and in 2027 he leads the East Durham St. Patrick’s Parade as Grand Marshal.
Continual upgrades, timeless hospitality
Through the years Gavin’s has expanded and improved its accommodations, and today offers far more amenities than in the early days. Our ongoing renovations have refreshed about 25% of our 60 guest rooms and added more than seven unique suites — including 2024 poolside suites with French doors onto the pool deck. We’ve also updated the Main Lobby, once a farmhouse, and turned the Tea Room, a former barn or carriage house, into a cozy gathering space. New awnings and updated common areas round it out — and the warm, welcoming atmosphere hasn’t changed a bit.
Nellie’s breads
Nellie Gavin’s Irish breads and scones are still baked and served daily. Taste them in the dining room, or order an Irish Box.
Part of the community
The Gavins helped build East Durham’s Irish scene: Jack Gavin and the East Durham Vacationland Association started the East Durham Irish Festival, and the Association later built the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre. See East Durham & the Irish Alps.
A century on Golden Hill
Read the full history
From the Scutt family’s Golden Hill House in 1923 to Mary Hartnett-Boyle, Nellie and Jim Gavin, and the Irish Alps.
Reservations open all year
Come see why it feels like home
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.