Woodbrook House
Some time ago Giles decided he would eventually like to be buried on the land at Woodbrook, among trees and nature. Through his inquiries he came across Colin McAteer, a third generation funeral director from Donegal who had started to notice a growing interest in natural burials, wicker coffins and generally a more nature-friendly approach to end of life. The pair arranged to meet.
Giles explained that he wanted to create a plot for him and his family. Colin said he was actually thinking of something slightly bigger, for everybody. Giles reflected, nodded, and told Colin to put on some wellies. They walked across the farm to an old entrance to the estate, a beautiful 200 year-old chestnut avenue at the top of which stood a rough patch of ground with sweeping views over the Blackstairs Mountains.
“Well, would this do?” Colin looked around and smiled. “Aye, it certainly would.”
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That was in 2009. Today the Woodbrook Natural Burial Ground remains the only natural burial site in Ireland. Over 200 people have chosen to be laid to rest here. There are no large gravestones or concrete but instead small, discreet grave markers and soft, grassy pathways. The emphasis is on nature - native trees and flowers are planted in remembrance - and the space has become a peaceful sanctuary, beautifully maintained by our small team of local caretakers. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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We are very proud of the burial ground, and thankful to Colin and his team for helping to make it a reality. It has become a space for everybody as he envisioned, with people of all faiths and none buried here.
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If you are organising or attending a funeral and would like to stay at Woodbrook or use the house for a gathering afterwards please get in touch.
For further information about the Burial Ground itself please visit www.greengraveyard.com.
