Overview
Maudlings Cemetery sits on the Dublin Road just outside the historic town of Naas, County Kildare. Established in the early 1780s through a donation by John Bourke, 1st Earl of Mayo, the graveyard has grown from a modest Anglican burial ground into a repository of local heritage. Its most eye‑catching features are two large pyramid‑shaped mausoleums – a rarity in Ireland – that dominate the western edge of the site. The cemetery remains open to the public and is free to visit, making it an unexpected stop for history lovers and casual walkers alike.
History
The name Maudlings derives from the medieval devotion to Mary Magdalene, whose name was often linked to places of mourning. Records from the dissolution of the monasteries (c. 1540) show that the land around the present graveyard belonged to Great Connell Priory, and by 1606 it was in the hands of the chantry priests of St David’s Church, Naas.
In 1780 John Bourke, later the 1st Earl of Mayo, donated the parcel of land for a burial ground; the granite ashlar entrance arch, still standing, bears the 1782 inscription that marks the enclosure of the cemetery. The site appears on Lieutenant Alexander Taylor’s 1783 map of Kildare – Taylor himself would be interred here in 1825.
The cemetery was expanded in 1889, and a caretaker was appointed in 1902. Grave‑robbing was a documented problem in the 19th century; the Journal of the Co. Kildare Archaeological Society recorded the theft of the body of Moorehead, former governor of Naas Gaol, in 1895.
The Pyramidal Mausoleums
Around 1840 two Egyptian‑inspired mausoleums were erected, a fashionable nod to the Egyptian Revival that swept Britain and Ireland in the early Victorian era. The western pyramid was built in memory of Anne de Burgh, wife of the politician Walter Hussey Burgh. The eastern pyramid bears no inscription; historians suspect it belongs to another member of the De Burgh family, though the exact patron remains uncertain.
The pyramids fell into disrepair as vegetation infiltrated the shallow stone veneer. In 2020 the Follies Trust secured €65,000 to restore both structures. Working with conservation architects Blackwood Associates, the project removed invasive ivy, repointed joints with hot lime, and repaired stone that had been displaced by roots. The restoration was overseen by Kildare County Council, the Representative Church Body, and local church groups, ensuring the pyramids could be safely viewed by the public.
Notable Burials
Maudlings is the final resting place of several prominent families:
- Earls of Mayo – including Robert Bourke, 5th Earl of Mayo.
- De Burghs of Oldtown – military figures such as General Eric de Burgh and numerous members of the extended De Burgh lineage.
- Earls of Clonmel – the de Robeck family and associated aristocracy.
- Alexander Taylor (1746–1828) – the cartographer whose map first recorded the cemetery.
- Various clergy, military officers, and local notables – from Rev. Walter de Burgh to the governor of Naas Gaol, Mr Moorehead.
A detailed 1989 survey by the Naas Local History Group recorded over a hundred individual inscriptions, providing a rich genealogical resource for researchers.
What to See & Do
- Pyramid Mausoleums – Walk the gravel path to the twin pyramids. The western pyramid’s stone interior is richly carved, while the eastern structure’s brick‑lined interior offers a subtle contrast. Interpretive panels (installed after the 2020 restoration) explain the Egyptian Revival context and the families commemorated.
- Historic Gravestones – The cemetery’s older headstones, many in granite ashlar, display classic Georgian lettering. Look for the 1783 map reference on the north‑west wall and the 19th‑century marble monuments of the De Burgh family.
- Family Plots – The de Burgh family plot is enclosed by railings and contains a series of touching memorials, including the 1840s mausoleum for Elizabeth (Jane) Hussey Burgh, whose epitaph praises humility and Christian charity.
- Photography – The juxtaposition of Egyptian‑style pyramids against the rolling Kildare landscape creates striking photographic opportunities, especially in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
- Genealogical Research – Researchers can consult the 1989 inscription survey, available through the Naas Local History Group, for detailed transcriptions of over 150 graves.
Practical Information
Location & Access – Maudlings Cemetery is accessed via the entrance arch on Dublin Road, opposite St David’s Church, Naas. The site is a short walk from the town centre and is reachable by foot, bicycle, or car. Limited on‑street parking is available on the adjacent Dublin Road; there is no dedicated car park.
Opening Hours – The cemetery is open year‑round during daylight hours. No admission fee is charged.
Accessibility – The main pathways are level and suitable for wheelchair users, though some older gravestones are set on uneven ground. Visitors with limited mobility may find the central paved walk easier than the peripheral grass areas.
Facilities – There are no visitor facilities on site; the nearest café and public restroom are located in Naas town centre, a five‑minute walk away.
Further Information – For detailed inscription lists, historic photographs, and 3‑D models of the pyramids, see the Naas Local History Group’s online archive. The cemetery is also listed on historicgraves.com, though the site is currently unreachable.
Events – While the site does not host regular tours, occasional heritage talks and conservation workshops are organised by the Follies Trust and Kildare County Council. Check the Creative Ireland events page for any upcoming activities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1780 (donated by John Bourke, 1st Earl of Mayo) |
| Key Structures | Two pyramid mausoleums (c. 1840), restored 2020 |
| Notable Families | Bourke (Earls of Mayo), De Burgh, de Robeck, Taylor |
| Access | Dublin Road, Naas – free entry, open daily |
| Website | (official site not confirmed) |
Nearby Attractions
- Church of Our Lady and St David – Directly opposite the cemetery entrance, this historic church offers additional architectural interest and a quiet place for reflection.
- Great Connell Priory – A short drive north brings you to the impressive ruins of this 12th‑century Cistercian abbey, one of Ireland’s most significant monastic sites.
Visiting Maudlings Cemetery offers a quiet encounter with Kildare’s layered past – from medieval land grants to 19th‑century architectural whimsy. Whether you are tracing family roots, admiring rare Egyptian‑style monuments, or simply seeking a reflective green space, the cemetery provides a uniquely Irish blend of history and landscape.