Mount Jerome Cemetery

Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Mount Jerome Cemetery, located in Harold’s Cross, Dublin, is an iconic Victorian-era burial ground. Since its establishment in 1836, it has reflected the city’s evolving social, religious, and artistic landscape. The cemetery’s tranquil, arboretum-like setting, architectural beauty, and array of notable burials make it a distinctive destination for anyone interested in Irish history, genealogy, architecture, or simply a serene space for reflection (lornapeel.com; trek.zone).

Historical Background
Architectural Features
Notable Burials
Decline, Revival, and Modern Use
Visiting Information (Hours, Tickets, Accessibility)
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Visitor Etiquette
FAQs
Conclusion
Useful Links and References

Historical Background

Origins

Mount Jerome Cemetery originated from the need to address severe overcrowding in Dublin’s city churchyards during the early 19th century. The land once formed part of the St Thomas’s Abbey estate and was later associated with Reverend Stephen Jerome, from whom the cemetery takes its name (fr.wikipedia.org). In 1835, the Dublin General Cemetery Company acquired the property, and the cemetery opened the following year, with its grounds designed by Ninian Niven, then curator of the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. Over 600 rare tree species were planted, giving the cemetery its unique botanical character (lornapeel.com).

Consecration and Early Years

On 19 October 1836, the grounds were consecrated for Protestant use by Dr. Richard Whately, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin. Initially, the cemetery served mainly Protestant burials, as the Catholic Archbishop declined to consecrate a section for Catholic interments. The opening of Glasnevin Cemetery in 1832 provided a Catholic alternative (joyceproject.com). The first burial was that of the infant twins of Matthew Pollock, a supporter of the cemetery (lornapeel.com).

Expansion and Inclusivity

The cemetery expanded to 48 acres by 1874, featuring a mortuary chapel designed in the Puginian Gothic style by William Atkins (1847)—the first of its kind in Dublin (mountjerome.ie). In the 1920s, following a gravediggers’ strike at Glasnevin, Mount Jerome began to accept Catholic burials, becoming a non-denominational resting place. It also became the reinterment site for French Huguenots, further broadening its inclusivity (fr.wikipedia.org).

Architectural Features

Mount Jerome is celebrated for its rich funerary architecture, blending Victorian, neo-Egyptian, Romanesque, and Celtic Revival styles (mountjerome.ie). Highlights include:

Puginian Gothic Chapel: Designed by William Atkins, featuring pointed arches and ribbed vaults.
Cusack Vault: Temple-like structure with Tuscan columns and a marble sarcophagus.
Neo-Egyptian Vaults: Such as the Mahony Vault, with Egyptian motifs symbolizing eternity.
Celtic Revival Monuments: The Apjohn Vault, with a Celtic cross, reflects Irish heritage.
Unique Features: The Gresham Vault’s bell system and the Harvie Vault’s hound sculpture.
Masonic Symbolism: The Meagher Vault and others display Masonic and religious iconography.

The grounds themselves are an arboretum, home to rare species like Christ’s Thorn (Paliurus spina-christi), making the cemetery as much a botanical destination as a historical one (fr.wikipedia.org).

Notable Burials

Mount Jerome contains over 300,000 burials, including many figures significant to Irish literature, science, art, and public life (mountjerome.ie; dublin.de):

Jack B. Yeats: Painter and brother of W.B. Yeats.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu: Author of Gothic fiction.
Sir William Wilde: Surgeon and father of Oscar Wilde.
George Fitzmaurice: Playwright.
Æ (George Russell): Poet and artist.
Thomas Drummond: Political reformer.
Robert Graves and Abraham Colles: Medical innovators.
John Hogan: Renowned sculptor.
Dublin Metropolitan Police and Royal Irish Constabulary: Dedicated plots.
Commonwealth War Graves: 35 from WWI, 39 from WWII (cwgc.org).
Huguenot Memorial: Honoring French Protestant refugees.
Unmarked Child Graves: Including those from Protestant orphanages, reflecting Ireland’s social history.

Decline, Revival, and Modern Use

By the late 20th century, financial difficulties led to the cemetery’s neglect. In 1998, it was purchased by Massey undertakers, and a state-of-the-art crematorium opened in 2000, the first environmentally friendly facility of its kind in Ireland (mountjerome.ie). Preservation efforts as well as digital and interpretive resources have revitalized Mount Jerome’s role as both a working cemetery and a public heritage site.

Visiting Information

Hours

Monday–Saturday: 08:30–16:00
Sunday: 10:00–16:00
Gates close promptly at 16:00. Hours may vary on holidays—verify on the official website.

Tickets and Admission

General Admission: Free
Guided Tours: Occasionally available (fees may apply); check the website or social media for events.

Accessibility

Main avenues and chapels are wheelchair accessible; some older sections have uneven paths.
Assistance is available upon request—contact the administration ahead if needed.

Facilities

Restrooms and a café are located near the main entrance.
Maps, information, and assistance are available at the cemetery office.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Public Transport: Bus lines 9, 16, 49, and 54a serve Harold’s Cross (cityscapetours.ie).
Address: 158 Harold’s Cross Road, Dublin 6.
Parking: Limited on-site; street parking available nearby.
Nearby: The Irish Jewish Museum and St. Kevin’s Church are within walking distance; the National Museum of Ireland is a short trip away.

Visitor Etiquette

Respectful Conduct: Speak quietly, respect mourners and ongoing funerals, and do not touch or climb on monuments.
Photography: Permitted for personal use—avoid photographing mourners or recent graves without permission.
Preservation: Stay on paths, avoid picking flowers, and do not feed wildlife.
Environmental Care: Dispose of litter properly; help preserve the cemetery’s natural and historical features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Monday–Saturday 08:30–16:00; Sunday 10:00–16:00. Check for holiday changes.

Q: Is there an admission fee or are tickets required?
A: No, general admission is free. Fees may apply for special tours.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, especially during heritage events. Check here.

Q: Is the cemetery accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Main areas are accessible; some older paths may be uneven.

Q: How can I reach Mount Jerome by public transport?
A: Dublin Bus routes 9, 16, 49, and 54a stop nearby.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but be respectful and avoid photographing funerals or mourners.

Q: Are there facilities on-site?
A: Yes, including restrooms and a café near the entrance.

Conclusion

Mount Jerome Cemetery is a living testament to Dublin’s layered history, offering insights into Ireland’s religious, artistic, and architectural development. Its peaceful grounds, remarkable monuments, and inclusive ethos make it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. With free entry, accessible facilities, and a wealth of historical and cultural connections, Mount Jerome invites exploration, reflection, and appreciation of Ireland’s enduring heritage. For up-to-date hours, event details, and digital resources, consult the official Mount Jerome website and consider using dedicated apps like Audiala for guided tours and further information.

Useful Links and References

Images and maps for “Mount Jerome Cemetery Dublin,” “Puginian Gothic mortuary chapel,” and “Mount Jerome Cemetery map” are recommended to enhance the visitor experience and SEO.