If you’ve always dreamed of wandering through Ireland’s emerald countryside, you don’t need a passport to experience it. Tucked into New York’s Northern Catskills, Greene County has earned the nickname the “Emerald Isle of the Catskills,” and it’s easy to see why.
With its mist-covered valleys, cascading waterfalls, and deeply rooted Irish-American traditions, it feels like one of the closest things to an Irish countryside escape you’ll find this side of the Atlantic.
It’s the perfect under-the-radar getaway for anyone looking to trade the concrete jungle for waterfall hikes, scenic mountain drives, cozy villages, and a taste of Irish culture—all less than three hours from NYC.
📍Trip planning at a glance
- Location: Greene County, NY (East Durham, Hunter, Windham)
- Drive Time: ~2.5 hours from Midtown Manhattan
- Best Time to Visit: Late Summer for mountain festivals & foliage through mid-October
- Vibe: Storybook mountain views, Irish heritage, waterfall hikes, and cozy mountain towns
⛰️ Wander through New York’s Emerald Mountains
If Ireland’s rolling green countryside is on your travel bucket list, Greene County delivers a similar kind of magic–minus the transatlantic flight.
The primary draw is its dramatic, moss-covered terrain.
Dense forests blanket the Catskill High Peaks in deep shades of green, giving way to sweeping cliffside views reminiscent of the Irish countryside.
Top scenic spots you can’t miss:
- Kaaterskill Falls: New York’s tallest two-tiered waterfall, plunging 260 feet through a dramatic forested gorge
- North-South Lake: Hike to Inspiration Point or Sunset Rock for panoramic views where endless layers of emerald peaks stretch toward the horizon
- Mountain Top Arboretum: Explore nearly 200 acres of native meadows, spruce forests, and peaceful walking trails at the highest public garden in NY State
- Hudson River Skywalk & Ramshorn-Livingston Sanctuary: Take in dramatic Hudson Valley vistas before exploring one of the Northeast’s largest freshwater tidal wetlands
Pro Tip: Visit on a misty early morning—when the fog rolls through the mountain passes, the resemblance to the Irish landscape is unmistakable.
☘️ Experience one of America’s most Irish destinations
Greene County’s nickname isn’t just about scenery.
For decades, Irish immigrants and Irish-American families from NYC spent their summers here—particularly in the village of East Durham—shaping it into a thriving cultural hub.
Today, shamrocks are painted directly onto the roads, Irish flags fly outside family-run resorts, and traditional music fills local pubs.
Must-visit cultural landmarks:
- The Shamrock House (East Durham): a beloved gathering place for authentic Irish food, music, and hospitality
- Blackthorne Resort: known for lively entertainment, Irish-themed events, and Catskills charm
- Gavin’s Resort & Country Inn: a longtime family-owned retreat offering classic Catskills vacations with Irish roots
- Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre: home to a massive brick map displaying Ireland’s 32 counties and a reconstructed 200-year-old thatched-roof cottage
🏘️ Explore charming mountain villages
Beyond the hiking trails and cultural hubs, Greene County is dotted with walkable mountain towns perfect for a weekend road trip:
- Catskill: A vibrant hub along the river filled with art galleries, historic waterfront spots, and local coffee shops
- Tannersville: Known for colorful boutique storefronts and cozy cafés
- Hunter & Windham: Great for post-hike craft brews and bustling Main Street dining