16 Popular Irish Funeral Songs & Poems

Irish funerals present an opportunity for family and friends to celebrate the life of a loved one. From lively wakes to religious rituals, there are a variety of customs that make Irish funerals unique. In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into exactly what an Irish funeral is like, including everything from the flowers to the songs. 

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What is an Irish wake and funeral like?

Traditionally, an Irish wake is held in the home of the deceased loved one. The body of the deceased will be placed in a room close to an open window, as it’s believed that this allows their spirit to leave. In most cases, the wake will last for at least one night, but some can go on to last for three nights.

During the wake, family and friends will be able to sit with the deceased and say a prayer. Once the visitor has left the waking room, they will be offered food and drink and will be encouraged to share stories and memories with the other visitors. 

Once the wake has come to an end, the coffin will be carried to the place of worship, traditionally by the men of the family. The rest of the family and friends will walk behind the hearse or follow in cars. 

Whilst Irish funerals are a time to grieve, they are also a time to celebrate and honour the life of someone who has passed. It’s common to see people smiling and laughing as they engage in conversation and recall happy memories. 

Popular & Traditional Irish Songs for Funerals

There are a number of popular Irish songs that are often sung at funerals. Songs are a special way to express emotions and create a sense of togetherness with everyone singing in unison. 

Below are some of the most popular Irish funeral songs:

• Danny Boy — this is one of the best known Irish songs and was played at the funerals of both Princess Diana and Elvis Presley.
• Carrickfergus — a traditional Irish folk song that has been recorded by a number of different artists.
• Fields of Gold — a moving song with a popular rendition by Eva Cassidy.
• May the Road Rise to Meet You —this is an adaptation of the Irish blessing “May the road rise up to meet you”.
• The Parting Glass — although this song originated in Scotland, it’s commonly played at Irish funerals.
• When Irish Eyes Are Smiling — an uplifting, upbeat song that has a celebratory feel.
• Amazing Grace — a timeless, emotional favourite that is commonly heard at Irish funerals.
• The Rare Ould Times — this is a tune filled with nostalgia, love and lyrics that discuss what Dublin used to be like.

Popular Irish Poems for Funerals

Reciting a poem can be a touching tribute for a loved one who has passed. If you’re looking for a popular Irish poem for a funeral, there are plenty to choose from. 

You could opt for a religious poem, sombre poem or even an uplifting poem. It all depends on the emotions you wish to express.

Below are some of the most popular Irish poems for funerals:

• I’ll See This Side of the Green No More by Kelly Roper — a religious poem that references Heaven and God.
• Destiny by Lady by Jane Wilde — this sombre poem talks about the pain of losing a loved one.
• Mid-Term Break by Seamus Heaney — a moving poem that references how grief can transform a family.
• Blackberry-Picking by Seamus Harvey — this poem isn’t explicitly about death but it acts as a bittersweet metaphor.
• And Soul by Eavan Boland — with lots of imagery, this poem talks about the link between the human body and water.
• Requiescat by Oscar Wilde — in this poem, the author mourns the death of his sister. 
• Everything Is Going to Be Alright by Derek Mahon — a unique sense of reassurance is offered in this poem, perfect for a funeral setting.
• Someone by Dennis O’Driscoll — this poem offers a twist compared to the more sombre funeral poems, referencing what a last day on earth might be like.

Irish Funeral Flowers

Beautiful flower arrangements are a common sight at most Irish funerals. The type of flower, the colours and the arrangements all have distinct meanings behind them and can be used to represent the life of a loved one.

The most well known Irish plant is, of course, the shamrock. This three-leafed clover is an iconic symbol of Irish culture which is believed to have mystical properties and bring good luck. Both shamrocks and shamrock-shaped arrangements are popular for Irish funerals. You’ll often see green chrysanthemums, double white chrysanthemums and orange-dyed chrysanths in the shape of a shamrock.

White flowers, such as roses, are another popular flower for funerals. White roses are believed to represent peace, new beginnings and love, making a fitting tribute for loved ones.  

Take a read of our definitive guide to funeral flowers for more information on what each flower represents.

Irish funerals have plenty of unique customs and traditions. If you’re interested in bespoke memorials that represent a loved one’s Irish connections, please get in touch with our team who would be happy to help.  You can find a selection of some of our beautiful Irish headstones below.