Cemeteries

Introduction of Cemetery Code of Practice from 1st of June 2023

Galway City Council wish to advise that a new Code of Practise will be brought into operation from the 1st of June 2023 for the Cemeteries of Galway City operated by Galway City Council (New Cemetery, Bohermore and Mount St. Joseph Cemetery, Rahoon)This Code of Practise aims to inform all citizens and Funeral Directors on the terms of use of the above graveyards. It will also aid and simplify the operation of the cemeteries for both Galway City Council Ground and Technical staff.

A copy of the Galway City Council Cemeteries - Code of Practice is available for your review.

Particular attention is drawn to Section 5 of the Code of Practise for “Lawn Plot Areas” which currently relates to the new Lawn Cemetery Extension at Rahoon Cemetery.

An “acceptance form” has also been introduced and can be viewed. This form confirms that the Code of Practise document has been read and its terms and conditions agreed to. This will need to be signed by the Grave Owner at time of grave purchase and returned to environment.section@galwaycity.ie to complete the sale of grave plot.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email environment@galwaycity.ie

Where are cemeteries (burial grounds) located in Galway City?

Galway City Council has two cemeteries:

The Cemetery Foreman can be contacted on 087 2390930 (phone open until 2:30 pm on Saturdays).

View map of cemetery locations.

What are the opening times of the Cemeteries?

The opening times of the Rahoon and Bohermore cemeteries are as follows:

How do I book a grave?

Grave Booking requests should be made by completing the online application form 

Funeral Directors are reminded of the rules before making a booking

           1. 12 noon daily deadline for burial the following day

           2. 12 noon Saturday deadline for burial the following Monday.

           3. No burials will take place on any Sunday.

           4. The Cemetery foreman should be contacted on 087-2390930 to confirm an available timeslot before making all online applications.

           5. All applications will be confirmed by a member of the Environment and Climate Change Team to the Funeral Director during normal working hours 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

           6. Graves can only be purchased at the time of death  for immediate use

           7. We only have Urn specific Graves available in Bohermore Cemetery and Standard single Graves in Rahoon Cemetery.

           All other queries, please call 091-536563 during normal office hours or call the Cemetery Foreman on 087-2390930 outside of these times.

• Name of the deceased person
• Date of the Burial
• Name of the deceased person
• Date of the Burial
• Application Form for Permit to Erect Tombstone and Surround [English]
• Foirm Iarratais do Cheadúnas le Leac Uaighe & Colbha a thógáil 2017
• a description of the Proposed Tombstone and Surround
• a Photograph or Drawing of the Proposed Tombstone and Surround
• Fee
  • New Cemetery, Bohermore: all areas - €60
  • Mount Saint Joseph, Rahoon - depending on location of grave: €144 single grave, €252 double grave or €60 euros in older Sections of Rahoon
• All Tombstones must be made available for inspection by the Caretaker at the Cemetery before installation
• Height restrictions apply at both Cemeteries
• Applicants are responsible for the quality and safety of the entire construction works
• All contractors must seek approval of our Parks Department and thereby added to our list of Approved Monumental Contractors, prior to submitting Grave Permit Applications