The Best Traditional Irish Baked Goods in the Catskills

The best of The Irish Tea Shop in the Catskills

The beauty of fall is fast approaching, leaves are changing and temperatures are cooling. The Catskills are a great way to experience and appreciate the changing seasons. For the past 10 years I have traveled with my husband to his families vacation home near East Durham. Just 2.5 hours outside of New York City the sleepy community of East Durham is a town seeped in Irish history. The area is best known for authentic Irish bars, gift shops and family run resorts. This past summer a new café opened up offering a wide selection of homemade baked goods and European products that honor the areas Irish heritage.

The Irish Tea Shop is owned by Gavin's Irish Country Inn, a place synonymous with East Durham. The shop serves as an outpost to enjoy their famous fresh baked soda bread, brown bread and scones. Teas, coffees and a variety of edibles are also available for purchase. The shop itself is housed in a building dating back to the 1880's. It feels warm and inviting from the moment you step through the door. Opened since July 4th weekend The Irish Tea shop is a lively addition to the community and a great place to pick up something sweet while road tripping. My favorite was their traditional Irish soda bread that's slightly sweet and studded with plump raisins. The blueberry scones were some of the best I've ever tasted. Nothing was overtly sweet and I only wish I could have stayed to enjoy my treats at one of the tables doted throughout the shop.  Everything was fresh and clearly made with love and care. The Irish Tea Shop also serves as a local art gallery, gift shop and stocks locally made products. 

On this visit I was able to indulge my obsession with marmalade. They carry Chiver's Olde English Marmalade, a product from Cambridge England. It's everything a marmalade should be a bit sweet, tart with a slightly bitter citrus aftertaste. Spread some with butter on the soda bread and you have a great way to start the morning. They also carry whiskey infused chocolates, fresh baked cookies and authentic Irish tea. The shop is currently open Thursday-Sunday from 9am-5pm through November 1st and possibly year round.