The East Durham Irish Festival
Shamrocks, Shenanigans and Celtic Tunes!
This three-day festival, held every Memorial Day Weekend, is one of the most longstanding Irish festivals in the country and also one of the most vibrant. Enjoy non-stop Irish music and dance performed by nationally celebrated artists at any of the venue’s three stages. Savor traditional Irish food and drink. Participate in workshops. Keep the littles smiling at the Kid’s Tent with Irish craft activities, music lessons, face painting, and pony rides.
The Catskills earned the nickname “Ireland’s 33rd County” due to its strong Irish heritage and the large immigrant community that settled there, especially in East Durham. Known as the "Irish Alps," East Durham is a hub for Irish culture, with Irish pubs, restaurants, resorts, and local businesses.
Immerse yourself “in the craic” by staying at any of the local Irish-owned lodging establishments, such as Gavin’s Irish Country Inn, McGraths Edgewood Falls Motel, McReilleys Motel, and Shamrock House.
Toast the start of the festival at the newly established Beer Garden and bring an instrument or a song to perform with Irish enthusiasts alike. Explore the Donegal Cottage and take a peek at the historically accurate design of a traditional Irish cottage. Learn how to burn turf brick. Meet local artisans. And sink your teeth into authentic Irish soda bread, sliced and spread liberally with butter.
