Most People still in favour printing some sort of a memorial for their loved one
Eight in Nine Irish people over the age of 55 worry that their funeral costs will be a financial burden on their family, according to a recent survey into attitudes toward death and funerals in Ireland.
Despite these concerns, a large majority (83%) of those surveyed have not put a funeral-specific financial plan in place to cover these costs. While 65% of respondents say they are comfortable discussing death and funerals, only one in three have made actual plans, with 68% having no concrete arrangements. Many respondents (75%) say they have had conversations with loved ones about their funeral preferences, but 88% have not included these wishes in their will.
Cremation has become the preferred option for nearly half (47%) of the over-50s group, while 39% still opt for traditional burial. A small percentage (4%) expressed a preference for alternative arrangements, such as body donation to science or green burials, while 11% have not given any thought to their burial preferences.
The survey also revealed that funeral costs in Ireland have risen sharply in recent years. The estimated cost of a funeral in 2024 is around €6,000, aligned with the actual average of €6,252 for those who have paid for a funeral in the past five years. This represents a 14% increase compared to just two years ago and a 42% rise since 2016.
Traditional attitudes toward funerals are evolving. Three-quarters of respondents believe it is no longer necessary to wear black to a funeral, and 69% see the livestreaming of funerals—something that became common during the COVID-19 pandemic—as a positive development for those unable to attend in person. However, many Irish funeral customs remain important. Wakes are still seen as a meaningful tradition, with 81% viewing them as a valuable way to pay tribute to the deceased, and 75% stating that they help with the grieving process. The majority of respondents (69%) prefer a wake to be held in the deceased’s home.
Other key traditions highlighted include shaking hands and expressing sympathy (74%), offering food and hospitality at the post-funeral gathering (67%), telling stories or having a singsong in remembrance of the deceased (54%), and 83% favour printing some sort of a memorial for their loved one and sending a thank you or acknowledgment card after the funeral
The following traditions are outlined as most significant by respondents:
- 74% – shaking hands and expressing sympathy
- 67% – soup, sandwiches and ‘good hospitality’ at the afters
- 41% – a singsong after the funeral
- 54% – telling stories about the deceased
- 83%- doing memorial cards ,acknowledgment cards or some sort of printed memorial
