Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of music can I play?

Any type of music that you think is appropriate to your service can be played. The number of tracks that you can play will be governed by the time allowed. We have piped sound systems in all our 3 chapels which can play music from our digital streaming services and USB Sticks (formatted for Microsoft Windows).

We primarily use Spotify (Premium) and YouTube (Premium) digital streaming services in all our 3 chapels. If you would like to use either of these streaming services, then please email us at info@mountjerome.ie in advance of your service, CLEARLY LISTING:

(1) Name of deceased & date and time of the cremation service.

(2) The link (copied and pasted by you) from whichever streaming service has your desired music track in its library.

(3) The track name, artist name and (if applicable) the album name.

We cannot be held responsible if an incorrect music track is played from either streaming service, if it is not clearly listed on your email request. This is especially the case with classical or instrumental pieces of music.

For more information on this topic, please refer to our MUSIC page

Where does the actual cremation take place?

The cremation takes place in a separate building adjacent to our three chapels after the service is over.

Please note that even though a remains can be received at Mount Jerome for a cremation service, the actual cremation process after the service cannot commence until the permission to cremate is granted by the medical referee.

Hence why we state on our cremation forms to allow 3/4 working days after a service to collect the cremation ashes.

Is the coffin is cremated and what coffins are suitable for cremation?

Emphatically YES the coffin is cremated! The remains cannot be safely placed into the cremator unless a coffin is used. There are a wide range of coffins available for cremation. They can be made from wood, wicker (except those made from seagrass) and certain types of multiply cardboard with a wood veneer finish (that will result in twice the amount of ashes returned).

Please note that we cannot cremate any metal coffins or zinc inserts.

Some coffins can even be rented. These coffins / caskets have a basic inner coffin resting inside a more ornate outer coffin / casket. It is the inner coffin that is removed and cremated. The outer ornate coffin / casket is returned to the funeral director for re-use.

How many remains are cremated at a time and how are the ashes kept separate?

A cremator can only accept one coffin at a time. All the cremated remains from each cremation are removed from the cremator before the next cremation can take place. An identity card is used throughout the entire process until the final disposal, thereby ensuring correct identification.

Can I witness my loved one’s cremation?

Yes. All that we need is some forward notice to this effect and instruction from the individual who authorised the cremation . Please consult with your funeral director. 

When can I collect the ashes?

Ashes are generally available for collection 3-4 working days after a cremation service. These are usually collected by the funeral director who will hold them for a few weeks until the family are ready to instruct the final resting place for the ashes.

Or alternatively you can arrange with your funeral director for the person who is authorising the cremation to collect them directly from the crematorium.

Please note that ashes can be made available for collection within 24 hours after a cremation service if so required. All that we need is some advance notice which you would arrange with your funeral director.

What are my options for the disposal of ashes?

From our experience at Mount Jerome, about 60% of ashes are interred in family graves, 30 % are scattered, 5% are kept by the family and the remaining 5% are interred in ashes memorial options at crematoria, cemeteries or parish churches. Remember, there is no need to rush your decision. Talk to your funeral director when you are ready to decide the final resting place for your loved one’s ashes.

Can I supply my own urn?

Whilst there is a varied selection of urns in our urns option, you can certainly provide your own urn if you wish. Please ensure that it has a 4 litre capacity to accommodate a full set of adult ashes and 1/2 litre for the ashes of an baby. Please note there is a €10 handling fee for supplied urns.

Is cremation more expensive than burial?

The general answer to this questions is no when comparing cremation charges with the grave digging fees for the re-opening of a family grave for a full coffin burial.

However what drives the ultimate cost of a cremation funeral is the final disposal of the ashes. If you intend to bury the ashes in a family grave, scatter them or keep the ashes at home, a cremation funeral would cost marginally less than if a family grave was reopened for a full burial. However if a memorial option is chosen, a cremation funeral would cost between €1000-€2000 more than a burial.

Certainly with cremation there is no need to buy a family grave and to erect a headstone, costing an additional €4000-€5000 over the cost of an average funeral.

What procedures are required for a cremation funeral to be arranged?

A cremation can only be authorised by the executor or the nearest surviving next of kin of the deceased. A partner or friend cannot arrange a cremation. Medical papers have to be filled out by the attending GP or doctor who was attending the deceased in their last illness. In the case of a sudden or unexplained death, a coroner will usually order a post mortem examination. Any explosive implants (i.e. pacemaker) must be removed before the cremation takes place.

What religious groups do not approve of cremation?

All current Christian denominations allow cremation as well as Sikhs, Hindus, Parsees and Buddhists. Orthodox Jews, the Greek Orthodox Church and Muslims do not allow cremation.