Irish people attend an average of five funerals per year, according to new research carried out to mark the 20th anniversary of RIP.ie, highlighting just how central mourning rituals remain to life in Ireland.
The nationwide survey of 3,387 respondents, commissioned by RIP.ie, explored attitudes to funerals, grief traditions and beliefs about the afterlife. It also coincides with the launch of a new podcast, Parting Words, which examines how Irish people navigate loss and remembrance.
One of the standout findings is the sheer frequency with which people attend funerals. While the national average sits at five per year, regional differences are striking. Those living in Kerry reported attending the highest number — more than six annually — while respondents in Dublin reported the lowest average, at around three per year. People in Limerick also reported attendance above the national average.
The figures reflect Ireland’s strong community ties, particularly in rural counties where funerals remain major communal events. In many parts of the country, attending a wake or removal is seen not simply as paying respects, but as a vital expression of solidarity with grieving families. Traditions such as open houses, condolence books and multi-day ceremonies remain deeply embedded in Irish culture.
Most funerals in Ireland typically unfold over three days — often beginning with a wake, followed by a removal and funeral Mass or service, and concluding with burial or cremation. According to the survey, 84% of respondents believe this timeframe is about right. However, 14% feel the process moves too quickly, while just 1% think it drags on too long.
Religious belief continues to shape how many Irish people view death and what comes after. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said they believe in heaven, while 16% said they believe in hell. Interestingly, 12% said they believe in ghosts — a reminder that folklore and spiritual traditions still quietly influence modern attitudes to mortality.
Ireland has long balanced Catholic doctrine with older cultural superstitions, and the findings suggest that both strands remain present in contemporary thinking. Even as church attendance has declined over recent decades, funeral rites remain one of the most consistently observed religious practices in the country.
The research also examined attitudes to eulogies — an element of funerals that has become increasingly personal in recent years. An overwhelming 90% of respondents said every family should have the right to deliver a tribute at a funeral Mass. When it comes to length, opinions were pragmatic: 45% felt a eulogy should last between six and ten minutes, while 41% preferred it to be kept under five minutes.
This shift towards personal storytelling marks a change from more traditional ceremonies, which historically placed greater emphasis on formal liturgy. Today, families often seek a balance between religious ritual and heartfelt reflection, blending scripture readings with anecdotes that capture the personality of the deceased.
Views on dress codes and tone were also explored. Almost one in five respondents said black should always be worn at funerals and that the occasion should remain sombre. However, that leaves a significant majority open to more modern interpretations — including lighter attire or celebrations of life that focus as much on joy and memory as on grief.
Speaking about the findings, Richie Kelly, Head of RIP.ie, said the results offer insight into how Ireland continues to evolve in its approach to saying goodbye.
He said: “It’s clear that the vast majority support the right to deliver a short tribute about their loved ones and an opportunity to say goodbye to them in their own words.”
Founded in 2005, RIP.ie has become a cornerstone of how death notices are shared in Ireland, moving a traditionally print-based practice into the digital age. For many families, posting a notice online is now the first step in informing extended networks of a passing, allowing condolences to flow from across the country and abroad.
Two decades on, the platform’s anniversary — and the accompanying podcast — underline how discussions about death are becoming more open. Season one of Parting Words features guests including broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan and Limerick author Sarah Corbett Lynch, who has spoken publicly about the loss of her father, Jason Corbett, killed in North Carolina in 2015.
Ultimately, the survey paints a picture of a country where funerals remain frequent, communal and deeply meaningful occasions. While beliefs about the afterlife may vary, and traditions may be adapting to modern tastes, the core instinct to gather, grieve and remember together appears as strong as ever.
