Gorteens Castle, Medieval fortress in County Kilkenny, Ireland

Gorteens Castle is a ruined gatehouse on private land near Slieverue in south-east County Kilkenny, in the historic parish of Rathpatrick. Only this gatehouse survives, and it may once have belonged to a larger structure. Excavations in 2003 identified further castle walls and outbuildings nearby.

Gorteens was built on lands acquired by Raymond FitzGerald, who died in the late 1100s, and it remained with the FitzGerald family until John FitzGerald, a Catholic, lost it under the Cromwellian Settlement; he was transplanted to Connaught in December 1653 and later given lands at Turlough and Carra, County Mayo, by 1677. The Down Survey of 1656 records Gorteens in the Baronies of Ida, Igrim or Ibercon and the Parish of Rathpatricke. By 1670 it was reputedly held by the Protestant Samuel Skrimsheire or Skrimshaw, and in 1700 by members of the Forstall family.

The name Gorteens comes from the Irish goirtín, meaning "little field" or "little garden". The ruin stands in the historic parish of Rathpatrick, Barony of Ida, beside the ruins of Rathpatrick church. It lies on private land near Slieverue, close to Waterford city.

Access requires advance contact with local authorities since visitor conditions and opening hours vary by season. It is wise to confirm current access arrangements before planning your visit.

The ruin is only a gatehouse, likely part of a larger complex; excavations in 2003 uncovered further castle walls and outbuildings nearby. The site lies on private land in Rathpatrick parish, near Slieverue, and is one of several ruins in the parish alongside Rathpatrick church.