Historic Burial Grounds Management

Graveyards and historical burial grounds 

Graveyards and in particular historical burial grounds are an integral part of our communities and our local heritage. They are also among the most varied, accessible and important heritage sites in the County. 

They are a final resting place for those that have gone before us; they also frequently provide clues to understanding our past. As well as being a source of local genealogy they are also an important feature in our historic landscape. They can have decorative ironwork, mature trees and ornate and sometimes ancient gravestones. They are of archaeological and architectural interest and serve also as wildlife habitats. A visit to an historical burial grounds steeps us in local heritage and immediately connects us with the past. 

It is for these reasons that careful consideration should be shown when conserving and managing our graveyards/ historical burial grounds.  

Checklist for care and conservation of historical burial grounds

Do 

• Contact your local Heritage Officer before you begin
• Check ownership and legal status of graveyard/seek owners permission
• Plan a programme of work and begin with least difficult tasks
• Retain healthy trees- favour native species
• Maintain existing pathways
• Keep boundary walls, banks and hedges
• Keep any architectural and sculptural fragments, record their position and report to the National Monuments Service and National Museum of Ireland

 Don’t 

• Start without professional advice and a clear plan
• Demolish or remove anything from the site without the permission of the National Monuments Service
• Use machinery to clear or level the site
• Burn vegetation or use total spectrum weed killer
• Plant wild plants or uproot ivy or trees
• Use wire brushes or sandblasters
• Move gravestones without archaeological advice or supervision

Further information

For further information please contact Thomas Carolan, Heritage Officer by emailing tcarolan@laoiscoco.ie  or phone 057 866 4129.