New York State Holidays

Most visitors know New York City, but beyond its iconic skyline lies a state of extraordinary contrasts. New York State is made up of 11 distinct regions: New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Catskills, Adirondacks, Capital-Saratoga, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Thousand Islands-Seaway, Greater Niagara and Chautauqua-Allegheny. Together, they offer everything from world-famous landmarks and vibrant cities to mountain wilderness, rolling vineyards, scenic waterways and charming small towns. There’s something for every type of traveller!

On New York State holidays you can witness the awe-inspiring power of Niagara Falls, cruise through the Thousand Islands to the fairy-tale-like Boldt Castle, explore the vineyards and waterfalls of the Finger Lakes, and discover six million acres of protected wilderness in the Adirondacks. It’s where The Great Gatsby found inspiration, Woodstock made music history, and the Women’s Rights Movement was born.

Nature is one of New York State’s greatest surprises. From the dramatic gorges of Watkins Glen and the soaring cliffs of Letchworth State Park – the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’ – to the beaches of Long Island, the forests of the Catskills and the lakes and mountains of the Adirondacks, spectacular scenery can be found in every direction.

The state is equally rich in culture, food and heritage. Sip award-winning wines in the Finger Lakes, tour the grand Gold Coast mansions of Long Island, visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, explore the historic Erie Canal, or follow in the footsteps of influential figures including Alexander Hamilton, Harriet Tubman and Theodore Roosevelt.

A true four-season destination, New York State offers vibrant autumn colours, snowy winter adventures in the Olympic village of Lake Placid, blooming vineyards and gardens in spring, and endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, boating and road-tripping throughout the summer months.

Getting there:

For those flying directly to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), there are two major Irish airports that offer direct flights:

Dublin (DUB)

• Airlines: Aer Lingus, Delta, JetBlue, United Airlines

Shannon (SNN)

• Airlines: Aer Lingus, Delta , United Airlines

Getting Around on yout New York State Holidays:

• By Car – By far the best way to explore New York State. A fly-drive holiday gives you the freedom to tour and explore it’s scenic regions at your own pace.
• By Train – Sit back and enjoy the scenery. Amtrak connects New York City with Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and beyond, while regional rail services provide easy access to Long Island and the Hudson Valley.
• By Coach – An affordable and convenient option, with operators including Greyhound, Trailways and Megabus linking major cities, towns and attractions across the state.
• By Air – Short domestic flights make it easy to cover larger distances, with regional airports in destinations such as Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse offering quick connections throughout the state.