Dun Laoghaire, Dublin | 01 285 7711 | podson2000@yahoo.com
Dun Laoghaire, Dublin | 01 285 7711 | podson2000@yahoo.com

Cremation
Cremation is an alternative to burial when someone dies. All Christian denominations and most other religious sects around the world permit cremation. There are six crematoria located in Dublin. Should you wish to arrange a cremation you should contact a Patrick O’Donovan & Son who will ensure all the legal requirements are met. Before cremation, forms must be signed by a medical referee who must be satisfied that the attending doctor has seen the body before and after the death, completed the medical certificate and the necessary form stating that there is no reason why the body should not be cremated. The attending doctor is required to examine whether or not the death should be notified to the coroner.
The Ashes
The ashes will be available within 4 working days after the cremation. You can make arrangements through Patrick O’Donovan & Son or the crematorium for the remains to be buried in the crematorium's Garden of Remembrance. Alternatively, the ashes can be collected in an urn from Patrick O’Donovan & Son. You can then bury the remains in a family grave or you may disperse them as you wish. If the dispersal is not on private ground, permission should be obtained from the appropriate authority, for example, the local authority.
Burial
If you choose burial you will either need to re-open an existing grave or purchase a new grave. Family graves can usually accommodate at least three adult burials and unlimited cremations, depending on the cemetery.
New graves are available for purchase in most cemeteries or graveyards in Dublin City/County and all Counties throughout Ireland. Whether you are purchasing a new grave or opening an existing one there will be an opening fee, of which our funeral arranger will advise you when making funeral arrangements.
Woodland Burials/Natural Burial Grounds
Woodland Natural Burial Ground, Co. Wexford in its simplicity of the natural setting and the small tree planted on the grave. In its most simplistic form a natural burial ground is a graveyard where the land has a second use, as a living, developing native Irish woodland and wildflower meadow. Gone are the marble headstones and concrete surrounds that are common place in other Irish burial grounds, replaced instead by a small simple grave marker and the planting of a native Irish tree.
Visitors will be able to walk along the pathways surrounded by nature, spotting wildlife in their newly created habitats. These natural burial grounds will be sacred and natural places where people of all faiths and those without any religion will find a beautiful resting place.
In choosing a natural or green burial you will be creating, conserving and sustaining native Irish woodland. It is a gift that will keep on giving to future generations.
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Knockma Woodland Burial Ground, Tuam, Co. Galway set in Celtic mythology, oak is the tree of doors, believed to be a gateway between worlds, welcome to Knockma Woodland Burial Ground. In a tranquil setting, at one with nature. Wonderful place for all to discover somewhere special. This natural woodland burial ground (NWBG) is an alternative to the traditional graveyard. The eco-friendly burial of the NWBG has no headstone, or markings and decorations, simply a spot in a natural area with a natural stone placed at ground level with the name and dates of the buried, if desired. Not everyone chooses to mark their site with a stone but prefer to have a native tree planted. A map is kept of all plots so their final resting place can be identified.
The site name of Knockma is such as it is situated at the base of and in sight of Ireland’s premier burial ground, dating back to the beginning of Ireland. Two of the three stone cairns at the summit of Knockma are said to be the burial site of Queen Maive the legendary Queen of Connacht and Ceasair.