Irish poets on death: funeral poems and readings from Ireland
A selection of Irish funeral poems offering reflection and remembrance. Discover timeless words from some of Ireland's best-loved writers.
Ireland has a long and deeply rooted tradition of reflecting on life and death through poetry and verse.
From ancient laments to modern verse, Irish poets and lyricists have long explored grief, memory and the enduring presence of those we've lost. Like the best poets from any country, their words often feel both grounded and spiritual, acknowledging loss while offering a sense of continuity, connection and peace.
If you're planning a funeral or memorial, a carefully chosen reading can help express what's difficult to say in your own words. Below, we've gathered a selection of Irish poems and excerpts that can be chosen for funerals.
Irish funeral poems
'Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven' by W.B. Yeats
William Butler Yeats is one of Ireland's most celebrated poets. While not explicitly about death, this short and widely beloved poem is often chosen for funerals because of its tender expression of deep devotion.
It works particularly well when remembering a cherished person, such as a partner, family member or close friend.
Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
'Amber' by Eavan Boland
A pioneering female voice in a male-dominated poetry scene, Eavan Boland was a renowned Irish poet and author. Her work often addresses personal loss, as well as historical and collective grief. Here, she uses amber as a metaphor for preserving the life of a person in memory after their death.
It never mattered that there was once a vast grieving:
trees on their hillsides, in their groves, weeping—
a plastic gold dropping
through seasons and centuries to the ground—
until now.
'May the road rise to meet you' – a traditional Irish blessing
This is a translation of the Irish Gaelic blessing Go n-éirí an bóthar leat.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
This English-language translation has been widely used for readings and cards on different kinds of occasions for many generations. The tone of a gentle farewell makes it a touching choice for funerals and remembrance.
Sad Irish poems about death
For many people, it's important to express more difficult and painful feelings during a funeral or memorial service. The following poems have a more intense tone, confronting mortality directly.
These may be best suited to smaller, more intimate services, private readings and for people who feel comfortable with direct expressions of grief.
'Death' by W.B. Yeats
Another by W.B. Yeats, this piercing poem reflects on the human awareness of death – not just with fear, but with emotional depth and thoughtful complexity. It can be a powerful choice for a service that leans toward sombre reflection.
Nor dread nor hope attend
A dying animal;
A man awaits his end
Dreading and hoping all;
Many times he died,
Many times rose again.
A great man in his pride
Confronting murderous men
Casts derision upon
Supersession of breath;
He knows death to the bone —
Man has created death.
'Requiescat' by Oscar Wilde
At the age of 12, renowned Irish poet, playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde was devastated by the loss of his nine-year-old sister to a fever. Years later, he penned this poem in her memory. Its devoted tone suits a service in remembrance of a beloved woman.
Tread lightly, she is near
Under the snow,
Speak gently, she can hear
The daisies grow.
All her bright golden hair
Tarnished with rust,
She that was young and fair
Fallen to dust.
Lily-like, white as snow,
She hardly knew
She was a woman, so
Sweetly she grew.
Coffin-board, heavy stone,
Lie on her breast,
I vex my heart alone
She is at rest.
Peace, Peace, she cannot hear
Lyre or sonnet,
All my life's buried here,
Heap earth upon it.
Choosing the right reading
Whether you're considering spiritual or religious reflections, contemporary verse or personal stories, there is no 'correct' choice for a funeral reading or poem.
Some people prefer comforting, traditional verses. Others opt for modern or personal readings or messages. What is most important is that the choice feels right for you.
And even the most beautiful poem can feel different depending on how it's read.
If you're planning a funeral or memorial service that includes readings, the speaker may find it helpful to practice in advance. There's also no pressure to memorise words – keep a printed or handwritten copy if you need it. Most importantly, take your time, and don't be afraid of making mistakes or needing to pause.
Many people also choose to include a recorded version of a reading, particularly for well-known poems where a professional or familiar voice can add depth.
Whether you choose a well-known poet like Yeats or Heaney, or a simpler modern verse, a reading can become a meaningful part of saying goodbye.
AFD is an independent funeral home based in Edgware, North London. Are you planning a funeral or a memorial service? Explore more funeral ideas on our blog, including poetry, readings and songs.
