Burial Services in Galway

Guiding Galway families through every step of a burial, with care and respect, since 1845.

When a family chooses burial, Conneely Funeral Directors takes care of every arrangement — from liaising with the parish and the cemetery, to the removal, the funeral Mass or service, and the final journey to the graveside. We work with cemeteries across Galway city and county, and with families burying a loved one in a family plot further afield. Whatever your wishes, we'll guide you through each decision, at a pace that suits you.

Burial Information

Choosing a Cemetery

Many families already have a family grave, and we can arrange for it to be reopened. If a new grave is needed, we'll explain the options and arrange it with the cemetery for you. In Galway city, Galway City Council manages Bohermore Cemetery and Mount St. Joseph Cemetery at Rahoon. We also regularly arrange burials at Rinville Cemetery in Oranmore, and in local cemeteries throughout Galway city and county.

Purchasing a Grave

Availability differs between cemeteries, and some sections only offer certain types of grave, so we'll check what's available before you decide. Grave fees are paid to the cemetery and included in your disbursements, so there are no surprises later.

The Day of the Funeral

We'll coordinate the timings with the church or venue and the cemetery, and provide the hearse and family cars if needed. Our team will be with you throughout, from the funeral home or church to the graveside. Burials don't usually take place on Sundays, so we'll plan the days with you to suit your family.

Headstone and Memorials

A headstone is usually erected some months after the burial, once the ground has settled. We're happy to advise on next steps and recommend trusted local monumental sculptors. We will provide a temporary gravemarker to mark the grave for the duration of this period.

Costs and Disbursements

Your estimate will show our professional fees separately from disbursements — the costs we pay on your behalf, such as cemetery and grave-opening fees, church offerings, death notices and flowers. We'll give you a clear written estimate before anything is agreed.

Common Questions about Burial

Can my loved one be buried in a family grave?

1

Yes. We'll arrange for the existing family grave to be reopened, liaising with the cemetery and confirming who holds the right of burial.

How soon can a burial take place?

2

Most funerals in Galway take place within two to four days of the death. The exact timing depends on the church, the cemetery and your family's wishes.

Can we have a burial without a church service?

3

Yes. Many families choose a civil or humanist ceremony at our funeral home, followed by burial. We can recommend celebrants and help plan the ceremony.