In Ireland, the idea of a Celebration of Life is finding a natural home. For generations, we’ve known the value of gathering, telling stories, sharing music, and marking the passing of someone dear with community spirit as much as with quiet reflection.
At Falconers Undertakers in Tramore, we’ve seen more families in Waterford choosing this path: a farewell that reflects the character of the person, while giving comfort to those left behind.
What Is a Celebration of Life?
A Celebration of Life is a gathering where family and friends come together not only to say goodbye but also to share memories and moments that honour the person who has died. Unlike a traditional funeral, it often leans towards warmth, laughter, and light, reminding everyone of the joy that life has brought.
A Local Example from Waterford’s Past
Waterford has long marked funerals in unique ways. Stories of old Fenor and Tramore tell of neighbours gathering in cottages, bringing food, lighting candles, and keeping vigil through the night with stories and music. These gatherings often felt less like formal ceremonies and more like celebrations, moments of community, where a person’s spirit lived on through those who spoke their name.
Today’s celebrations of life are, in many ways, a modern continuation of that tradition.
Celebration of Life Ideas with an Irish Touch
Here are some thoughtful ways families in Waterford and across Ireland are choosing to celebrate life:
Choose a Personal Venue
A celebration doesn’t need to take place in a church or crematorium. In Tramore, we regularly welcome families to our own parlour, where the entire ceremony can happen under one roof, making it simpler and gentler for everyone.
Keep It Personal
Play your loved one’s favourite music.
Put together a photo slideshow on a family laptop, showing a lifetime of moments.
Invite guests to share stories—funny, heartfelt, or surprising.
Relaxed Dress Codes
Families often choose bright colours, or even the loved one’s favourite team jersey, over traditional black.
Gather Around Food
Tea, coffee, and sandwiches can be served throughout, encouraging conversation and comfort in a natural way.
Bring in Local Traditions
Plant a tree in their memory somewhere special.
End with a seaside walk or candle-lighting at the beach.
Host a storytelling evening in their honour, echoing the Irish wake.
Add Light and Music
Fairy lights, candles, or even a small acoustic music session can bring a soft, uplifting atmosphere.
What Makes Falconers a Special Place for a Celebration of Life
Families often tell us they were surprised at how much can be made personal within our funeral home.
Here are a few things that you might find helpful about us:
Everything can be arranged in one day, without additional venue or church fees.
The service can be followed by either burial or cremation, depending on family wishes.
Our parlour seats 36, with space for another 30 standing, small enough to feel personal, yet large enough for a community to gather.
Tea, coffee, and sandwiches can be shared throughout, keeping the day warm and familiar.
Families can bring their own music and slideshows, making the ceremony truly reflect the life being celebrated.
A Guide to Planning in Waterford
If you’re considering a celebration of life in Waterford, here are some local ideas:
Outdoor Memorials: A twilight candlelit gathering at Tramore beach or Gaulstown Dolmen, where I got married.
Music & Arts: Commission a local Waterford musician to perform a song in their honour. We also partner with local artists who can be commissioned to create a special piece for you in remembrance. More here on this.
Community Halls: For larger gatherings, nearby venues in Dunmore East and Tramore often open their doors for such events. We can provide a list.
Family Heritage: Blend in readings of old Irish blessings or poetry, echoing Waterford’s literary traditions.
Further Reading
For those who’d like to explore the Irish roots of these traditions, The Celtic Book of Dying by Phyllida Anam-Áire offers a beautiful insight into how Irish families have, for centuries, marked life’s end with dignity, music, and shared humanity.
A message from Erich Falconer.
A Celebration of Life is, at its heart, a reflection of the person it honours. In Waterford, with our heritage of music, community, and storytelling, it feels especially natural.
At Falconers, we’re proud to help families create farewells that feel personal, memorable, and full of meaning. Whether simple or elaborate, modern or traditional, each one is a reminder that a life lived leaves echoes of joy long after.
Please get in touch if I can help with anything, I hope you find this helpful.
