Overview
Burgage Cemetery sits just north-west of Blessington town centre, overlooking the calm waters of the Blessington Lakes. Though compact, the site holds a quiet dignity and works as an unexpected outdoor museum. Maintained by a dedicated local committee, the grounds combine well-tended 19th-century burial plots with one of County Wicklow’s most significant early medieval monuments. There is no entrance fee, and the site is open during daylight hours year-round.
The Story of St Mark’s Cross
The undisputed focal point of the cemetery is St Mark’s Cross, a striking high cross carved from a single block of blue-grey granite. Standing approximately 14 feet (4.3 metres) tall, the monument dates to the 12th century. Unlike many Celtic crosses, it features an unpierced ring, unusually long arms, and a decorative boss at the centre of each face. A weathered inscription rests at the base, a subtle reminder of its medieval origins.
The cross originally stood beside a church and holy well at Burgage More, an early Christian ecclesiastical settlement just outside the modern town. Its peaceful setting changed dramatically in the late 1930s when the River Liffey was dammed to create the Poulaphouca Reservoir. As floodwaters threatened to submerge the ancient site, the cross was carefully dismantled, transported, and re-erected in its current position against the cemetery’s south wall. It remains a protected National Monument and a tangible link to Ireland’s monastic past.
Exploring the Grounds
The burial ground itself has been in continuous use since the 19th century, serving both Anglican and Catholic communities in the Blessington area. For years, the cemetery fell into disrepair, but a concerted effort by the Burgage Cemetery Committee and Blessington Tidy Towns has transformed the space. Volunteers cleared overgrown vegetation, restored the stone altar area, and installed a smooth, level circular walkway that loops the entire site.
Today, the path makes the cemetery highly accessible for gentle walking, photography, and quiet reflection. Mature trees provide canopy cover, while the orderly rows of headstones offer a glimpse into local family history. Genealogists and family historians often visit to trace regional lineages, with many records now digitised on platforms like BillionGraves and Find a Grave. The site is kept clean and respectful, encouraging visitors to move quietly through the grounds.
The Blessington Heritage Trail
Burgage Cemetery forms a key stop on the self-guided Blessington Heritage Trail, a route that connects the town’s most significant historical landmarks. A dedicated plaque with a QR code stands near the cross; scanning it with a smartphone unlocks detailed information about the monument’s relocation, the cemetery’s upkeep, and the broader story of Blessington’s development from Archbishop Boyle’s planned estate town to a modern lakeside community.
Local history groups occasionally organise guided walks that explore the trail’s stops in greater depth. These usually run on weekend mornings during the warmer months and provide context for the town’s Georgian architecture, steam tram history, and Downshire estate legacy.
Getting There & Practical Information
- By Car: A small dedicated car park sits at the cemetery entrance. If it is full, the larger Blessington Lakes car park offers additional spaces just a five-minute walk away along the lakeside road.
- Walking & Cycling: The cemetery is easily reached on foot or by bike from Blessington town centre. You can follow the lakeside promenade or connect via the Blessington Greenway, a traffic-free trail that links the town centre to Russborough House through woodland and along the reservoir shore.
- Public Transport: Blessington is served by regular bus services connecting to Dublin, Naas, and Baltinglass. The main bus stops are in the town centre, roughly a ten-minute walk from the cemetery gates.
- Accessibility & Facilities: The circular path is level and suitable for most walkers, including those using wheelchairs or strollers. Some older headstones sit on slightly uneven ground near the perimeter, so standard walking footwear is recommended. There are no toilets or cafés on-site; visitors should plan to use facilities in Blessington town centre before or after their visit.
- Contact: For information about volunteer opportunities or guided walks, you can reach the Blessington & District Forum via their official website or contact page.
Nearby Attractions
The cemetery’s location makes it a convenient addition to a broader exploration of west Wicklow. Within easy walking distance, you’ll find the historic Downshire Monument, St Mary’s Church of Ireland, and the starting point for the Blessington Greenway. A short drive south leads to the Palladian grandeur of Russborough House and its extensive art collection, while the wider Blessington Lakes area offers water sports, angling, and mountain-backed walking routes.
Visitors planning a morning in Blessington often combine a quiet walk through the cemetery with a coffee in town and a longer stroll along the reservoir. The QR code plaques on the heritage trail are worth scanning in advance, as they provide excellent context for the town’s layered history and help you navigate the surrounding landmarks efficiently.