GLASNEVIN CEMETERY 24 FEBRUARY 2025
Glasnevin Cemetery, established in 1832, is a sprawling and historically rich necropolis in Dublin. Among its notable features are two circular areas containing underground vaults. This exploration focuses on the lesser-known of these, the secondary circle of vaults, located near the Botanic Gardens wall. While the O’Connell Circle is widely recognised, this second, similar area, also featuring a circular arrangement of vaults, remains less documented. Regrettably, detailed historical records regarding its design and construction are scarce.
During a visit to Glasnevin a few years ago, I was granted a rare glimpse inside a family vault. The interior revealed multiple coffins, remarkably well-preserved, stacked on shelves. The family explained that they, along with their extended relatives, visit the vault annually to pay their respects. This personal experience offered a unique insight into the private nature of these burial spaces.
Historically, cemeteries utilised various types of underground vaults, ranging from large dynastic vaults for prominent figures and families, to smaller family vaults, brick-lined graves, and extensive private or public vault complexes. The vaults at Glasnevin, while primarily falling under the category of family vaults, could, in some cases, be considered dynastic due to the size and status of the families interred within. These vaults offer secure and private burial spaces, reflecting the importance of familial bonds and remembrance in Irish culture.
Currently, some vaults in the secondary circle are being resold, predominantly to Irish-Italian families. This process, overseen by the cemetery authorities, involves the legal transfer of ownership, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to regulations. The reasons for resale are varied and may include changing family circumstances, evolving needs, or financial considerations.
The Dublin Cemeteries Trust manages Glasnevin Cemetery and is responsible for the maintenance of the vaults. This includes preserving structural integrity, ensuring proper drainage, and preventing deterioration. Families may also maintain individual monuments and decorations associated with their vaults. An annual maintenance fee covers the upkeep of each burial for the first year, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission collaborates with the Glasnevin Trust to maintain the graves of Commonwealth service personnel.
Glasnevin’s underground vaults are more than mere burial structures; they represent Dublin’s rich history and cultural heritage. The cemetery’s establishment as a non-denominational burial ground challenged sectarian divisions and promoted unity. The design of the O’Connell Circle, with its landscaped gardens and grand architecture, reflects 19th-century European cemetery design trends. Features like the “Angels Plot” and the crematorium demonstrate the cemetery’s adaptation to evolving social attitudes and religious practices. The resale of vaults, particularly to Irish-Italian families, illustrates the ongoing evolution of this historic site as new generations connect with their heritage. Glasnevin Cemetery, with its diverse array of monuments and underground vaults, embodies the enduring human need to commemorate the deceased, while also serving as a significant historical and architectural landmark in Dublin.