How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Ireland?
If you're thinking about planning your own funeral in Ireland, one of the first questions you may have is how much it is likely to cost.
Funeral costs can vary considerably depending on where you live, whether you choose burial or cremation, and the arrangements you would like.
Understanding these costs in advance can help you make informed decisions, record your funeral wishes and consider how you would like to provide for the expenses.
What is the average cost of a funeral in Ireland?
As a general budgeting guide, you might allow approximately €5,000 to €8,000 for a funeral in Ireland, although some funerals will cost less and others considerably more.
This is an indicative planning range rather than an official national average.
The final cost depends on several factors, including where the funeral takes place, whether burial or cremation is chosen, and the services required.
A funeral involving the purchase of a new burial plot, for example, may cost considerably more than one where an existing family grave is available.
When planning ahead, it's useful to think about the type of funeral you would like rather than relying on an average figure alone. A funeral director can explain the likely costs and provide an estimate based on your individual preferences.
What makes up the cost of a funeral?
A funeral account generally consists of funeral director's charges and additional expenses, often referred to as third-party costs or disbursements.
Funeral director's charges
Your funeral director will explain the services available and their associated costs. Depending on your arrangements, these may include:
- Professional services and coordination of the funeral
- Bringing the deceased into their care
- Care and preparation of the deceased
- Provision of a coffin
- Use of a funeral home
- Hearse and other funeral transport
- Staff and assistance throughout the funeral arrangements
The services included in a funeral director's quotation can vary, so it is important to understand exactly what is covered.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) recommends asking for a written estimate of the total funeral cost, with a breakdown of individual charges.
Burial costs
If you choose burial, there may be additional charges for:
- Purchasing a burial plot, if required
- Opening and closing the grave
- Cemetery administration and maintenance
- A headstone or other memorial
These costs can vary significantly between cemeteries.
If your family already has a burial plot, you may not need to purchase a new one, although interment and other cemetery charges may still apply.
Cremation costs
If you prefer cremation, costs may include the crematorium fee, use of its chapel where applicable, and arrangements for the ashes afterwards.
Cremation can sometimes cost less than burial, particularly when compared with purchasing a new grave. However, the overall funeral cost will still depend on the other arrangements you choose.
Other funeral expenses
Additional expenses may include:
- Religious or civil ceremony fees
- Funeral music
- Flowers
- Death notices
- Memorial cards
- Catering following the funeral
Some of these may be included in the funeral director's estimate, while others may be charged separately.
Does a simpler funeral cost less?
Generally, choosing fewer services or less elaborate arrangements can reduce the overall cost.
For example, you may prefer a smaller ceremony, a simpler coffin or fewer vehicles.
However, a smaller funeral does not necessarily mean every expense will be lower. Certain professional services and third-party charges may still apply.
The best approach is to discuss your preferences with a funeral director and ask for an estimate based on the arrangements you actually want.
Can you find out the cost of your own funeral in advance?
Yes. You do not need to wait until someone has died to speak to a funeral director.
Funeral directors can discuss your wishes, explain the available options and provide guidance on likely costs.
This can be particularly useful if you want to make decisions yourself rather than leaving everything for your family to arrange.
You can ask about burial or cremation, the type of ceremony you would prefer, and any particular arrangements that matter to you.
It is worth remembering that funeral prices can change over time. An estimate obtained today may not reflect the cost of providing the same services many years from now.
If you're unsure where to begin, read our article Can I Contact a Funeral Director Before Someone Dies?.
Can you start saving towards your funeral?
Yes. Some people choose to set money aside towards their future funeral expenses.
This may involve saving independently or arranging a funeral pre-plan that allows payments to be made in advance.
With My Farewell Wishes, you can record your funeral preferences, choose a participating funeral director and arrange to contribute towards your future funeral costs.
Money paid towards funeral expenses is held in the independent My Farewell Wishes Trust. MFW Limited does not have access to these funds.
The amount you contribute does not guarantee that every future funeral expense will be covered, as costs may increase over time.
You can read more about ways to pay towards your funeral costs, or see our article Can You Pay for a Funeral in Instalments?.
Is financial assistance available for funeral costs in Ireland?
In certain circumstances, financial assistance may be available to help with funeral expenses.
The Department of Social Protection operates an Additional Needs Payment scheme, which may provide assistance with essential expenses that a person cannot reasonably meet from their own resources.
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances, including income, savings and the expense involved. Assistance is not automatic.
You can find further information about funeral expenses and available supports through Citizens Information or the Department of Social Protection.
Is it worth planning your funeral ahead of time?
Planning ahead is not simply about money.
It also gives you an opportunity to consider the kind of funeral you would like, speak to your family about your preferences and make decisions without the pressure of an immediate bereavement.
You may wish to record:
- Whether you prefer burial or cremation
- Your preferred funeral director
- The type of ceremony you would like
- Particular music, readings or other personal preferences
- Any arrangements you would prefer not to have
You do not have to decide everything at once, and your wishes may change over time.
If you haven't discussed your preferences with your family, our guide to talking about your funeral wishes may help you get started.
Taking the next step
If you are considering planning your own funeral, a useful starting point is to speak with a funeral director about your preferences and the likely costs involved.
My Farewell Wishes works with funeral directors across the Republic of Ireland, helping people record their funeral wishes and make financial provision towards their future funeral expenses.
You can start planning your funeral wishes online, or speak with our team if you would prefer to discuss your options first.
Call My Farewell Wishes on 042 6039990.
There's no obligation to proceed. We're happy to explain how funeral pre-planning works and help you understand the options available.
