Survey Shows Wicklow Families Want The Right To Deliver A Funeral Eulogy

Eighty‑three percent believe a funeral should be a celebration of life, but almost one in five still prefer a traditional approach, with a similar number saying black should always be worn according to a survey reflecting Ireland's approach to funerals

A new survey of almost 3,400 Irish adults has found overwhelming support for families in Wicklow and across the country to deliver eulogies at funerals, a practice still restricted in some Catholic dioceses.

RIP.ie, marking its 20th anniversary, found that 92% of adults believe every family should have the right to speak at a funeral, with most suggesting a short, personal tribute of under ten minutes. Among respondents, 45% preferred a eulogy lasting six to ten minutes, while 41% felt under five minutes was ideal.

LWicklow residents reflect the national trend. Many attend multiple funerals each year, with rural counties outside Dublin seeing higher attendance.

On average, people in Connacht attend six funerals per year, while Dubliners average just three

The survey also looked at how Irish people want funerals to feel. A clear majority, 83%, said funerals should be a celebration of life, though some, particularly in Tipperary, favour a more traditional, formal approach.

Music and singing play a key role in creating memorable farewells, with respondents recalling local moments ranging from school choirs performing Monty Python classics to the Lonesome Boatman played for a fisherman at the graveside.

Wicklow respondents, like others outside Dublin, tend to embrace the evolving customs, from including non-traditional elements to open discussions about grief and planning funerals.

95% agreed that Irish traditions like wakes and months mind masses remain important, while 91% noted an increasing openness to talk about death and grief.

The survey also explored practical choices: 78% would consider a religious service, while 20% lean towards humanist or non-religious ceremonies. Burial remains the most common preference at 63%, with traditional cremation at 46%, and some even choosing body donation for science.

RIP.ie’s Richie Kelly noted:

"The survey shows a clear desire for families to have a voice and for funerals to reflect personal connections. In Wicklow, as across Ireland, music, storytelling, and short, heartfelt eulogies are shaping how we say goodbye."

With Wicklow communities continuing to balance tradition and personal expression, the findings suggest families want meaningful ways to honour their loved ones, from heartfelt words to carefully chosen music that resonates long after the service ends.

Meanwhile RIP.ie is celebrating it's 20th year. To mark the milestone, they’re inviting its community to take part in a nationwide 20km walk during March 2026.

This shared journey offers an opportunity to honour loved ones, support local charities, and celebrate the strength of community.

By turning remembrance into a real-world experience, shared grief becomes shared purpose, fostering healing and unity.

For every charity registrant, a square foot of native woodland will be planted, creating a living legacy of remembrance.