Description
Situated at the crossroads of the R293 and R294 regional roads, Gurteen is easily accessible from nearby towns like Ballymote and Ballaghaderreen.
Gurteen (or Gorteen), nestled in County Sligo, is a charming village steeped in traditional Irish music and culture. It’s especially famous for the Coleman Irish music Centre, which celebrates the legacy of Michael Coleman, a master of the South Sligo fiddle style. The centre offers exhibitions, performances, and even music lessons—making it a hub for both locals and visitors passionate about Irish heritage.
Gurteen (or Gorteen), nestled in County Sligo, is a charming village steeped in traditional Irish music and culture. It’s especially famous for the Coleman Irish music Centre, which celebrates the legacy of Michael Coleman, a master of the South Sligo fiddle style. The centre offers exhibitions, performances, and even music lessons—making it a hub for both locals and visitors passionate about Irish heritage.
Location
Public Transportation
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Gurteen can be reached from Sligo by bus 977 (Sligo to Castlerea via Ballaghadereen). With a regular service, the route is serviced by TFI Local Link.
Website: www.locallinkdsl.ie Tel: 0749741644 |
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See & Do
Coleman Traditional Irish Music Centre
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Located in the heart of Gurteen, theColeman Irish Music Centre is a vibrant tribute to the legendary fiddler Michael Coleman and the South Sligo style of traditional music. Visitors can explore interactive exhibitions, enjoy audio-visual presentations, and even try a dance step or two. The centre also hosts concerts, music classes, and summer sessions that bring the village alive with rhythm and storytelling.
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Moygara Castle Ruins
Just a short distance from Gurteen lie the evocative ruins of Moygara Castle, a 16th-century stronghold built by the O'Gara Clan. The castle features a large square bawn with towers at each corner and a gatehouse on the western wall. Though privately owned, it’s part of a passionate conservation effort supported by local communities and historians. The site offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Gaelic Ireland’s architectural and clan history.
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Lough Gara
Lough Gara is a tranquil and historically rich lake straddling County Sligo and County Roscommon, just a short drive from Gurteen village. It’s a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and anyone intrigued by Ireland’s ancient past. The lake, which spans about 12.5 km² and is surrounded by wetlands, bogs, and lush countryside, is a designated Ramsar site and special protection area (SPA), home to wintering birds like the Greenland white-fronted Geese , Whooper swans and Great Crested Grebes.
The surrounding grasslands and swamps make it ideal for birdwatching and quiet walks.
Lough Gara is dotted with crannógs—man-made islands dating back over 2000years, used during the Iron Age and early Christian periods. Excavations have revealed tools and artifacts, giving insight into ancient settlement patterns and defensive strategies.
The surrounding grasslands and swamps make it ideal for birdwatching and quiet walks.
Lough Gara is dotted with crannógs—man-made islands dating back over 2000years, used during the Iron Age and early Christian periods. Excavations have revealed tools and artifacts, giving insight into ancient settlement patterns and defensive strategies.
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The Coleman Cottage
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The Coleman Cottage is a beautifully restored traditional Irish farmhouse located at Mount Irwin, about 5 km from Gurteen Village. It’s part of the Coleman Irish Music Centre experience and offers a vivid glimpse into rural life in Ireland during the early 20th century. Built from sandstone and topped with a traditional thatched roof, the cottage is a faithful replica of the original Coleman family home.Inside, you’ll find three rooms filled with authentic 1920s-era furniture, cooking utensils , crockery , and other household items that bring the past to life.
Note: visiting by appointment only - contact the Coleman Centre at +353 71 9182599 |
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For the Community
Gurteen playground and recreation area is located beside the local National School in the heart of Gurteen village
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Ballintogher Community Hall is used for many different events ranging from Halloween Disco's to meetings.
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Ballintogher recycling centre is located beside the Ballintogher Enterprise centre
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