Overview
Burgage Cemetery lies a short walk north‑west of Blessington town centre, beside the Blessington Lakes reservoir. Though modest in size, the graveyard offers a quiet retreat and a tangible link to early Christian Ireland through the impressive St Mark’s Cross that stands within its bounds. The site is free to enter and maintained by a dedicated community committee.
History
The most striking feature, St Mark’s Cross, is a 14‑foot granite high cross originally erected at the early‑Christian settlement of Burgage More. When the Blessington reservoir was created in the early 1930s, the cross was carefully dismantled and re‑erected in Burgage Cemetery, where it now overlooks the lawns. Carved from a single block of granite, the cross dates from the 7th–9th centuries and is a rare survivor of Ireland’s monastic landscape, displaying characteristic knotwork and biblical motifs.
The surrounding burial ground has been in continuous use since the 19th century, serving both Anglican and Catholic communities. In recent years the Burgage Cemetery Committee, supported by Blessington Tidy Towns, has restored the altar area, cleared overgrown paths and installed a level circular walkway that loops the whole site.
Heritage Trail & Guided Walks
Burgage Cemetery forms a key stop on the Blessington Heritage Trail, a self‑guided route that links the town’s historic sites, lakeside walks and the Downshire Monument. The local Tidy Towns group organises scheduled guided walks that explain the story of St Mark’s Cross, the cemetery’s 19th‑century graves and the wider landscape. These walks typically run on weekend mornings from April to October; check the Blessington Heritage Trail page for the latest timetable.
Notable Burials & Genealogy
The cemetery is of interest to family historians. Records show that Vera (Farrell) Brown (1923‑1998) is interred here (plot B‑567). Recent genealogical entries also list Carl Nagle (1977‑2011) and Deirdre O’Dowd (2024) among those buried in Burgage Cemetery. The Find a Grave and WikiTree databases confirm these burials, making the site a useful stop for anyone tracing the Farrell, Brown, Nagle or O’Dowd families in the region.
Activities & Experiences
- St Mark’s Cross – Examine the intricate knotwork and biblical motifs; the relocation story adds a modern layer to the ancient stone.
- Circular Walking Path – A level, well‑maintained loop suitable for gentle exercise, photography and quiet contemplation.
- Heritage Trail Walks – Join the Blessington Heritage Trail guided walks for deeper historical insight.
- Genealogy Spotting – Look for older headstones bearing family names such as Farrell, Brown, Nagle and O’Dowd; these can provide clues for personal research.
Getting There
- By Car – A small on‑site car park sits at the cemetery entrance. For additional spaces, use the larger Blessington Lakes car park (approximately a 5‑minute walk).
- Public Transport – Blessington is served by Bus Éireann routes linking the town to Dublin and surrounding villages; the nearest bus stop is on the main road to the reservoir, a short walk to the cemetery. Exact route numbers to be confirmed.
- Walking & Cycling – The cemetery is easily reachable on foot or by bike from Blessington town centre via the lakeside promenade.
Practical Information
- Opening Hours: Open all daylight hours; no admission fee.
- Accessibility: The circular path is level and suitable for most walkers, including wheelchair users. Some older gravestones sit on uneven ground, so watch your step.
- Facilities: No on‑site toilet or café; nearby Blessington town offers full visitor amenities.
- Contact: For volunteer enquiries or site information, reach out via the Blessington Tidy Towns contact page.
- Website: Burgage Cemetery – Blessington Heritage Trail
Nearby Attractions
The cemetery sits within easy walking distance of the Blessington Lakes, St Mary’s Church of Ireland and the historic Downshire Monument, making it a pleasant addition to a day exploring Blessington’s heritage core.
Burgage Cemetery offers a blend of early‑Christian artefacts, community‑driven stewardship and serene green space – a modest yet memorable highlight on any Wicklow itinerary.