Burials

A Brief History of Burials

Quinns of Glasthule Funeral Home, Burial Tomb in Burren, County ClareTraditionally following the passing of a person, their body has been placed in a coffin and then buried within a graveyard or tomb. Depending on the religious beliefs of the deceased and their family members, this has contributed to the decision of where they are buried.

Ireland is full of cemeteries and graveyards that are both working and historical. Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin is a large part of Irish Burial History and has a visitors centre for some of the more affluent graves.

In Irish History, Dolmens and Cairns were used for burials. The Burren in County Clare is Ireland’s largest historical burial site and has over 90 megalithic tombs.

To see a list of Cemeteries and Graveyards used for burials in Ireland, view our Cemeteries page.