Before anything else, we would like to extend our condolences if you’ve lost a loved one recently.
And if you’re looking to give them a proper send-off, we’ve rounded up the best cremation services in Cork to help you on your search. We noted each service’s strengths and weaknesses, plus other essential information you might need.
So, let’s get started by talking a bit about costs you can expect first.
How much do cremation services cost in Cork?
The Irish Times noted that crematoriums in Ireland charge an average of €450 to €750, which is roughly half the price of conventional funerals. Take note that you’ll have to pay for urns, room rentals, embalming, and other related costs separately, which we detailed in the table below.
Figures below are based on the industry average, so you’ll have to contact your chosen crematorium or funeral director directly for more information.
The Best Cremation Services in Cork
Before we reveal our picks, here’s a quick overview of our selection criteria
Without further ado, let’s head on to our choices of the top cremation services in Cork.
1. Jerh O’Connor & Sons Funeral Homes
Jerh O’Connor & Sons Funeral Homes is an established family-run business that’s been serving Cork residents and surrounding areas for more than a century already. This tells us that they’re a trusted name when it comes to funerals, which is why we had to include them here.
Being in the practice for so long has allowed them to set up several funeral homes around Cork. We think that this would allow you the flexibility of choosing the best one according to your family’s preferences.
Regardless of your chosen location, they can help you arrange for a cremation or burial, and everything else in between. They work around the clock, so they’re free to assist you at any hour of the day.
We think it’s also important to highlight that they’re a non-denominational facility, meaning that they accommodate people of different faiths and beliefs. That said, it also means that they can make arrangements for any type of funeral, and will liaise with all the institutions involved.
The lack of repatriation and live streaming services can be a drawback for some, though. So if this is what your family is looking for, then we suggest you skip this one.
Pros
- Wide range of services
- Open 24/7
- Several locations available
- Accepts religious and non-religious services
- Showroom of urns/caskets available
Cons
- Rates unavailable online
- Repatriation services unavailable
- Live streaming unavailable
Customer Reviews
Promptly served
“Can’t thank them enough. Kevin, Michael and everyone else who contributed with their work to make my late mother’s ceremony and cremation so workless and promptly served. Thanks everyone, forever grateful.” — Johndios Lopes Rego, Google Reviews
We didn’t have to worry about anything
“O’Connors look after the burial of my mother late last month and were absolutely brilliant. We didn’t have to worry about anything other our own grief and looking after each other. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” —Colin Porter, Google Reviews
2. Island Crematorium
Island Crematorium isn’t new to our recommendations. The main reason why we can’t help but highlight them again is the fact that they offer such a unique and serene backdrop that’s unlike any other crematorium in Ireland.
You can find the crematorium on Rocky Island, which is located about 15 kilometres south of Cork City. There’s no need to ride a ferry to reach this crematorium, but we still recommend chartering some private vehicles since public transport is scarce in the area.
At this crematorium, you have the flexibility of holding a religious or civil ceremony, which can be live-streamed for friends and family who can’t make it.
While there aren’t really any cemetery plots here, your family can choose to memorialise their loved one at Island Crematorium’s book of remembrance.
Apart from that, they also offer a variety of urns, caskets, and keepsake memorabilia. There are also biodegradable options should your family prefer burial at sea.
A potential downside for this crematorium is that operating hours are limited to weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, making transfers a bit tricky. If you happen to be available on weekends only, you can still set an appointment to meet with them on Saturdays.
Pros
- Unique crematorium facility
- Accepts religious and non-religious services
- Live streaming available
- Memorialisation services available
- Biodegradable urns available
Cons
- Relatively inaccessible for some
- Limited business hours
- No information on transfer of remains
Customer Reviews
Peaceful location
“I love the location. It is so peaceful. I have dealt with Frank for over 3 years now and find him sensitive to my needs and a complete gentleman. I would recommend The Island to anyone.” —Brid F., Google Reviews
Staff are really nice
“This is a lovely place, it’s so peaceful down there and the staff are really nice.” —Jillian H., Google Reviews
3. Sullivans Funeral Homes
Sullivans Funeral Homes is another name you can trust. This funeral home is just one of the several funeral homes owned by Fordes Funeral Homes—a family business that has been serving Cork residents for over 80 years now.
Sullivans Funeral Homes particularly stood out from the rest because of their location. They’re located near Saint Joseph’s Cemetery and St. Finbarr’s Hospital, allowing for easier transfers.
Otherwise, they also offer a large fleet of hearses and limousines, which makes transporting the remains so much more convenient regardless of your location.
They can begin all legal and relevant procedures of the cremation process no matter the time of day as well, so you’re free to contact them 24/7.
Unfortunately, there’s no mention of whether they offer live streaming services or not. So if this is something you’d like for the benefit of family and friends who can’t come, we recommend asking them if you can make your own arrangements.
Pros
- Wide range of services
- Accepts religious and non-religious services
- Convenient location
- Open 24/7
- Several locations available
- Showroom of urns/caskets available
Cons
- Rates unavailable online
- No information on live streaming services
Customer Reviews
So accommodating and professional
“Most incredible service from the team at Sullivans. They were so accommodating and professional. At a time in your life when everything is falling apart, you are in safe hands.” —Ezara Ahern, Google Reviews
Our family felt immensely supported
“My mom’s funeral was handled by Donal Forde and his very compassionate staff. I first dealt with Suzanne by phone who was So kind to me. Lorraine met with my sister and I, giving us plenty time when our minds were in utter confusion. She guided us through all decisions with patience and ease, making an otherwise difficult situation peaceful and simple. Donal, Paul Noonan and Pat Ring attended to the mass with dignity and gentleness. Anything we asked throughout those days was taken care of. Our family felt immensely supported by all at O’ Sullivans funeral home, Turners Cross, Cork. Thank you very much.” —Neasa de Baróid, Google Reviews
4. Keohanes Cork Funeral Directors
Keohane Cork Funeral Directors may be a relatively young business compared to our other entries, but they’ve earned a positive reputation among Cork residents.
They offer options for various religious, non-religious, and humanist services, which can also be personalised according to the family’s requirements and preferences.
They can help you with all aspects of the funeral arrangement, from registering the death to carrying out the actual cremation process. Like most of our entries here, they’re open 24/7, making them another option you can contact in the wee hours of the morning.
It’s also good to see that they have 2 locations available: one in central Cork and the other in Mayfield Park. We think this would give you some options—albeit a limited one—to choose the most accessible location for your family and friends.
The only downside we can see here is the lack of established live streaming services. So, make sure to enquire beforehand if this is something your family would be interested in.
Pros
- Wide range of services
- Accepts religious and non-religious services
- 2 locations available
- Showroom of urns/caskets available
- Open 24/7
Cons
- Rates unavailable online
- No information on live streaming services
Customer Reviews
Did everything they possibly could in organising the funeral
“Losing someone close is such a hard thing to come to terms with. I have to say john and his staff were absolutely fantastic. They did everything and anything they possibly could in organising our loved ones funeral. Nothing was to much for them. On behalf of myself and my son Thomas we thank you and your staff john. We would highly recommend your services. Thanks so much for making such a hard time that little bit easier.” —Tracey Rowe, Google Reviews
Never experienced anything like how you personalised our service today
“Thank you so much to all at Keohanes Funeral Home for your professionalism,warmth and sensitivity to everyone at this difficult time. I have never experienced anything like how you personalised our service today for our very special friend Daniel. From the bottom of our hearts..thank you.x” —Bernadette McMahon, Google Reviews
FAQs about Cremation Services
That wraps up our list of the best cremation services in Cork. We sincerely hope that our entries can help your family in this difficult time.
If you think there are other crematoriums in Cork that are worth a mention here, send us a message and we’ll look into it as soon as we can.
Alternatively, you can also check out our recommendations of the best cremation services in Ireland, just in case your family would like to hold the service in other areas.