Burial

Burial2025-09-08T19:42:49+00:00

Tradition, Respect & Support

Burial Services Tailored to Your Wishes

Traditionally, a burial service involves a reposal, followed by a funeral service in a church, or other place of worship. The coffin is usually present at both these times, and it is your decision on whether to have the coffin open. Family or religious traditions are often a factor for choosing burial. A decision will need to be made with regard to the place of burial.

Cemetery Types

Monumental cemetery

A monumental cemetery is the traditional style of cemetery where headstones or other monuments made of marble or granite rise vertically above the ground. There are countless different types of designs for headstones, ranging from very simple to large and complex.

Natural cemeteries

Also known as eco-cemeteries or green cemeteries, These are a new style of cemetery set aside for natural burials. Natural burials are motivated by the desire to be environmentally conscience, although natural burials can be performed at any type of cemetery, they are usually done in a natural woodland area. Conventional markings such as headstones are generally replaced with a tree or a placement of a natural rock.

Columbarium Walls

These are generally reserved for cremated remains. While cremated remains can be kept at home by families or scattered somewhere significant to the deceased, a columbarium provides family and friends with somewhere to come to mourn the deceased. In Ireland, columbarium walls are generally located beside crematoria.

Dignity Funeral Care - Funeral Directors in Portumna & Loughrea, County Galway

Burial FAQ’s

Does a body have to be embalmed before it is buried?2025-08-26T17:55:57+00:00

Embalming is a choice which depends on important factors, for example, if there is to be an open coffin viewing of the body, extended time between death and interment, and multiple movements of the remains for private and public reposals.

Environmental health laws may require embalming if the body is going to be transported by air or rail.

What options are available besides ground burial?2025-09-08T10:47:01+00:00

The two options available are cremation and resomation

Can we dig our own grave to avoid the charge for opening and closing it?2025-08-26T17:57:40+00:00

Traditionally and historically neighbours have taken responsibility for opening and closing the grave of the deceased in rural Irish parishes. This tradition is allowed to continue in some areas. However, in cemeteries controlled by local authorities, this role is carried out by local authority staff. Alternatively, Dignity Funeral Care have professional grave diggers who are responsible for opening and closing the grave for a set fee.

Why is having a place to visit so important?2025-08-26T17:58:29+00:00

To remember and to be remembered are natural human needs. A permanent memorial in a cemetery provides a focal point for remembrance and memorializing the deceased. Throughout human history, remembering the dead is a key component of almost every culture. Remembrance practices serve an important emotional function for survivors by helping with closure and allowing the grieving process to begin.

What happens when a cemetery runs out of land?2025-08-26T17:58:53+00:00

When a cemetery runs out of land, it will continue to operate and serve the community. There are cemeteries throughout the world that have been in existence for hundreds of years.

How soon after death must an individual be buried?2025-08-26T17:59:28+00:00

There is no law that states a specific time from for burial. Considerations that will affect a timeline include the need to secure all clearance and permissions, notification of family and friends, preparation of cemetery site and religious considerations. Environmental health laws may have limitations on the maximum length of time allowed to pass prior to final interment.

Do I need to own a grave?2025-08-26T18:32:52+00:00

Yes. If you do not own a grave, it will be necessary to purchase one. Dignity Funeral Care will assist you with this arrangement. A single family grave can potentially accommodate three to four burials time permitting.

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Dignity Funeral Care - Funeral Directors in Portumna & Loughrea, County Galway
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