This is one of the more interesting cemeteries in Ireland because it provides an insight into the lifestyle of the ruling class Ireland during the Victorian era.
There is no doubt about it but the important people wanted you to know that the had been important even after they had died and a lot of money was devoted to erecting appropriate memorials. It is possible that some may have believed that the memorials would survive for a long time. One thing that I have noticed that one is provided with wonderful accounts of the men but their wives are only mentioned in passing and God is does not often referred to.
As you can see from my photographs many of the memorials and monuments have fallen apart and while vandalism may be blamed I believe that much of the decay has been due to poor workmanship and a bad choice of materials such as soft sandstone.
The Victorians often selected 'Grand' public facing appearence rather than good quality workmanship [of course it is possible that in this instance they had been cheated by local craftsmen].
In the 1970s, the condition of the Cemetery began to deteriorate and in 1984 it was put into voluntary liquidation.
By the late 1990s, it had fallen into a serious state of neglect and was subjected to a high level of vandalism. I actually lived beside the cemetery in 1983-84 and almost every day I was amazed to see what was being stolen from the graves.
In 1998 the cemetery was purchased by a private enterprise it has undergone a complete reversal of fortune. The ongoing funds provided by a new Crematorium afforded the Cemetery the means to put in place a proper maintenance program to prevent it falling into decline again. Over time it is possible that the cemetery will become a major tourist attraction as has Glasnevin Cemetery,
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