Please note that all work in graveyards must be carefully planned. In many cases the site will fall under the National Monuments Acts (1930 – 1994) which states it is the requirement of owners and occupiers to inform the Minister two months in advance, of their intention to carry out any works to or within the vicinity of a National Monument.. The heritage office would be pleased to discuss any works planned for caring for your graveyard and to outline the help that may be available.
Ownership
The ownership of graveyards, in the vast majority of cases, is a Church Body or Offaly Local Authorities. A list of graveyards detailing ownership and whether they are open or closed is available . Email the heritage office to get information about an individual site.
Care and Maintenance
It is important to note that under the National Monuments Acts (1930 – 1994) owners and occupiers are required to inform the Minster two months in advance, of your intention to carry out any works to or within the vicinity of a National Monument. Download guidance document on The Care and Conservation of Graveyards.
New National Graveyard Advice by Caimin O'Brien published by the Heritage Council. ( November 2010)
Download Guidance for the Care Conservation and Recording of Historic Graveyards
Recording Memorials
The heritage office is currently working with a number of groups in the county to explore the most effective way of recording memorials. As years pass, memorials are becoming increasingly hard to read and the need to record them is now pressing. If you are interested in recording memorials please contact the heritage office.
See also Guidance for the Care Conservation and Recording of Historic Graveyards
Geashill Church of Ireland have completed the recording of all the headstones and have erected an information board. You can download this as an example courtesy of the Vestry. Geashill Information Board
Recommended reading
Guidance for the Care Conservation and Recording of Historic Graveyards By Caimin O'Brien, Published by the Heritage Council in 2010.
The Care and Conservation of Graveyards, OPW – is available through the library service, email the heritage office for a copy or download here.
The Heritage Council have also produced a useful guide to Ireland's Historic Churches and Graveyards.
Conservation of Historic Graveyards, Guide for Practitioners, Historic Scotland, 2001, available through the library service or through www.historic-scotland.gov.uk