Quick answer
The East Durham Irish Festival happens every Memorial Day weekend in East Durham, NY — the heart of the Catskills' "Irish Alps" — and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027. Book lodging nearby early, plan to stay the whole weekend, and save time for the area's Irish pubs, shops, shrine and cultural centre.
Why they call it the Irish Alps
East Durham, in Greene County, has been a summer destination for Irish New Yorkers since the 1920s. By 1960 roughly 40 Irish-run hotels and boarding houses operated in the area, and the village had "seventeen places to hear music, seven nights a week." Locals still say East Durham is "more Irish than Ireland."
The East Durham Irish Festival
The festival began in 1977, co-founded by Jack Gavin with Tom McGoldrick and the East Durham Vacationland Association; Jack Gavin served as its first Festival Director. It takes place every Memorial Day weekend, and 2027 marks its 50th anniversary. In March 2027, Jack Gavin is also honored as Grand Marshal of the East Durham St. Patrick's Parade.
Festival-weekend tips
- Book lodging early. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest in the area — and the 50th anniversary will be busier still.
- Stay all weekend. Come for the festival by day, then head back to your inn's pub at night.
- Bring cash for food, vendors and raffles.
- Pack for both sun and chill. Catskills evenings in late May can be cool.
- Bring a folding chair for the music stages.
What else to see in East Durham
- Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre — Irish Park, Gaelic football fields, an Irish cottage and festivals all season.
- Our Lady of Knock Shrine — a peaceful shrine with stained glass from Donegal.
- Guaranteed Irish USA — Irish import shopping.
- Zoom Flume — the water park, less than a mile from Gavin's.
Other Irish events through the year
- MarchEast Durham St. Patrick's Parade
- JulyCatskills Irish Arts Week — classes and sessions all week
- AugustThe East Durham Feis (Irish dance competition) and Gavinstock
- OctoberGuinness Fest and the Northeast Tionól
Frequently asked questions
When is the East Durham Irish Festival?
Every Memorial Day weekend in East Durham, NY. The 50th anniversary festival is in 2027.
Who started the East Durham Irish Festival?
It was co-founded in 1977 by Jack Gavin, Tom McGoldrick and the East Durham Vacationland Association. Jack Gavin was its first Festival Director.
Why is East Durham called the Irish Alps?
Irish New Yorkers have vacationed in its Catskill hills since the 1920s; by 1960 about 40 Irish-run hotels and boarding houses operated there.
Where should I stay for the East Durham Irish Festival?
Stay in the East Durham area so you can walk or drive a few minutes to the grounds. Gavin's Irish Country Inn, an all-inclusive inn run by the Gavin family since 1961, is nearby on Golden Hill Road.
By the Gavin family · Gavin’s Irish Country Inn, East Durham, NY · Updated
