My visit to Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin
Second day in Ireland and we had a list of things to tick off the bucket list.
Last time we were here we did the Ghost Bus Tour which was totally over the top theatrical and awesome and towards the very end we stopped at the Gravediggers Pub which sat at the original gates of the cemetery. As we were so close yet could not get in we promised ourselves that next trip we would go and see the cemetery from the inside.
If you want to do one of their day time tours, my suggestion is book ahead ad they do fill up there are a few to choose from and the one we really wanted to do was not available on the day we could go so we chose the next best, the Irish History tour at 13 Euros per person.
Glasnevin Cemetery, located in Dublin, Ireland, is one of the country’s most famous burial grounds and holds significant historical and cultural importance. Its history dates back to the early 19th century, and it has become the final resting place for many notable figures in Irish history.
Glasnevin Cemetery was established in 1832 by Daniel O’Connell, a prominent Irish political leader and campaigner for Catholic rights. We were taken down into his burial chamber and had the opportunity to touch his coffin for luck.
At that time, Catholics faced severe restrictions on their burial rights and were not allowed to bury their dead in traditional cemeteries. O’Connell envisioned a non-denominational cemetery where people of all religions and backgrounds could be laid to rest together, and Glasnevin Cemetery became the solution.
The cemetery’s location was chosen for its proximity to the city and its picturesque setting. It covers an area of over 120 acres. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with numerous paths, trees, and monuments, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
There is also a mass grave of over 11,000 victims of the cholera all in one small area. The graves just go on and on as far as the eye can see.
The Cemetery also holds the remains of countless notable individuals who have played significant roles in Irish history and culture. Some of the most famous figures buried there include:
Daniel O’Connell: Known as “The Liberator,” O’Connell was a lawyer and political leader who campaigned for Catholic emancipation and Irish independence.
Michael Collins: A key figure in the Irish War of Independence and one of the leaders of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), Collins was instrumental in negotiating the Anglo-Irish Treaty. His gravesite is the most visited at the cemetery with many gifts being left every day in his honor.
Charles Stewart Parnell: An influential politician and leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party, Parnell campaigned for land reform and home rule for Ireland.
Eamon de Valera: One of the most prominent political figures in Irish history, de Valera was a leader of the Irish independence movement, a commander during the Easter Rising, and later served as the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and President of Ireland.
In addition to these prominent figures, Glasnevin Cemetery is the final resting place for many other important writers, poets, artists, and ordinary citizens who contributed to Irish society. Many famous people visit the site all the time when they are in Dublin. One recent visitor was Ariana Grande who went for a walk with one of the tour guides and allegedly gave him a EUR500 tip.
Glasnevin Cemetery remains an active burial ground with most of the burials now being cremations placed in Columbariums. It continues to play a significant role in Irish cultural and historical preservation. It is open to the public and offers guided tours, which are fabulous and well worth the price, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore Ireland’s past and pay homage to its notable figures. Stop by the coffee shop for delicious scones and coffee before or after your tour and check out the gift shop and the exhibitions which are included in the cost of your ticket.
Parking is a little bit of a problem so allow time to find a suitable spot and I’d suggest that you pay for two hours.
