A Guide to Cremations in Dublin
Choosing how to say goodbye to someone you love is never easy. At a time when emotions are already high, families are often faced with decisions they may never have had to consider before. Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice in Ireland, largely because of the flexibility it offers and the opportunity to create a farewell that feels personal, meaningful and right for the family.
This guide is designed to gently explain what cremation involves, why many families choose it, and how a cremation service can be shaped to truly reflect the life being remembered.
Why More Families Are Choosing Cremation
In Ireland, cremation is now chosen by many families as an alternative to traditional burial. For some, it is a practical decision; for others, it reflects personal, cultural or family wishes.
Some of the reasons families choose cremation include:
Flexibility – cremation allows families more choice around the timing and style of the service
Personalisation – ceremonies can be traditional, modern, religious or entirely non-religious
Simplicity – arrangements can often be more straightforward during a difficult time
Cost considerations – for some families, cremation can be a more affordable option, offering flexibility around both services and associated costs
Choice afterwards – families have a range of options for what happens after the cremation
Importantly, choosing cremation does not mean choosing a less meaningful farewell. A cremation can be every bit as personal, reflective and respectful as any traditional funeral.
Cremation and the Funeral Service
A common misconception is that cremation limits the type of funeral service you can have. In reality, it often does the opposite.
Families may choose to:
Hold a traditional religious funeral service, followed by cremation
Have a non-religious or civil ceremony at the crematorium
Celebrate a life with a personalised service in one of our funeral homes
Hold a service on one day and a private cremation on another
Many families now choose to hold ceremonies within our funeral homes, which offer a calm, familiar and more intimate setting. These spaces can be personalised with music, photographs, readings and tributes, creating a farewell that feels less formal and more reflective of the person being remembered.
Religious and Non-Religious Ceremonies
Cremation can be fully combined with religious traditions. Families may choose to have a church service, followed by cremation, or a religious ceremony held within the crematorium itself.
Equally, many families now prefer a non-religious ceremony. This may be led by a civil celebrant, a humanist celebrant, or even a family member. If you are unsure where to begin, we can help you find a celebrant who suits your wishes and guide you through how the service might be structured.
There is no single ‘right’ way - what matters most is that the ceremony feels respectful and true to the life lived.
Personalising a Cremation Service
Personalisation is often what families remember most about a funeral service. Small details can make a meaningful difference.
Ways families often personalise cremation ceremonies include:
Choosing music that reflects personality or shared memories
Including readings, poems or letters written by family members
Sharing photographs or digital photo displays
Live streaming the service for those who cannot attend in person
Allowing time for personal tributes or quiet reflection
You don’t need to have all the ideas - our role is to listen, offer suggestions and help shape a service that feels right.
After the Cremation: What Happens Next?
Cremated remains are usually available a few days after the service. Families then have time, and there is no rush, to decide what feels appropriate.
Options may include:
Keeping cremated remains at home
Scattering ashes in a meaningful place (with guidance on permissions)
Interment in a family grave
Placement in a Columbarium wall or Garden of Remembrance
