Overview
Reilig Mhuire (Irish for “Mary’s Cemetery”) sits on the gentle slopes just outside the village of Askeaton in County Limerick. Historically a modest parish graveyard, it was expanded in 2025 with a purpose‑built extension that provides dignified burial space for the local community while preserving the ancient landscape that makes the site a focal point for pilgrims climbing Croagh Patrick.
History
The original burial ground was opened in 1962 by Canon Martin, establishing a local place of rest for generations of Askeaton families. Its name is recorded in the Placenames Database of Ireland as part of the civil parish Reilig Mhuire agus Áth Iseal (see logainm.ie).
In late 2023 Limerick City and County Council commissioned a major expansion to address the growing need for burial and ashes plots in the region. The project, tendered in 2023 and delivered by DR Construction Ltd (drconstructionltd.co.uk), represented an investment of €107,751.11, funded from the Council’s own resources.
The 0.811 ha extension was officially opened on 29 September 2025 (announced 30 September 2025) with a joint blessing by Fr John Mockler (Roman Catholic) and Rev Kevin O’Brien (Church of Ireland). Independent councillor Tommy Hartigan represented the Mayor at the ceremony.
Development Phases
| Phase | Burial Plots | Ashes Plots |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (opened 2025) | 292 | 41 |
| Full capacity (future) | 1,300 | 164 |
The works included site clearance, new footpaths, headstone foundation beams and landscaping, creating a respectful and well‑maintained environment for families and visitors alike.
What to See & Do
The Burial Ground Itself
Visitors can stroll along the newly laid footpaths that wind through neatly arranged rows of graves and ashes niches. The layout is deliberately open, allowing the surrounding farmland and distant Atlantic horizon to frame the space. Headstone foundation beams ensure future monuments will be securely set.
Pilgrimage Station – Reilig Mhuire Cairns
Beyond its role as a community cemetery, Reilig Mhuire holds a special place in the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage. On the western shoulder of the mountain lies a cluster of three Bronze‑Age burial cairns, traditionally known as Reilig Mhuire – the third of the three stations that pilgrims visit on “Reek Sunday” and throughout the year.
At this station, pilgrims walk seven times around each cairn, reciting seven Our Fathers, seven Hail Marys, and one Creed. After completing the individual cairns, they circle the entire enclosure seven more times, repeating the same prayers. This ritual links the ancient funerary landscape with the Christian tradition of the Stations of the Cross, offering a moment of quiet reflection amid stone and sky.
Pilgrimage & Events
- Reek Sunday (the last Sunday in July) – the main pilgrimage day when the cairns are visited as part of the official Croagh Patrick route.
- Year‑round devotional walks – local pilgrim groups often organise guided walks to the cairns, especially during the Lenten season.
- Community remembrance services – the council occasionally holds open‑air services on special occasions; check the council’s news page for dates.
Notable Burials
- Myles ‘Miley’ Harty (2021) – The 20‑year‑old whose funeral was held at St Mary’s Church, Askeaton, and whose remains were interred at Reilig Mhuire. The service attracted a large local turnout and highlighted the cemetery’s role in community life.
How to Get There & Parking
- By car: The burial ground is reachable via the R511 road from Limerick city. A small, free car park is located at the entrance to the extension.
- Public transport: The nearest bus stop is the Askeaton town centre stop (Bus Éireann route 332). From there it is a short, well‑signposted walk to the site.
- Signage: Directional signs on the R511 guide visitors to the footpath network that leads into the cemetery and onward toward the Croagh Patrick trailhead at Murrisk.
Nearby Attractions
- Askeaton Castle – a 13th‑century tower house a short walk from the burial ground.
- Askeaton town centre – offers cafés, a heritage centre and the historic St Mary’s Church.
- Croagh Patrick – the iconic pilgrimage mountain, reachable via the cairns and the Murrisk trailhead.
- Ardpatrick – another historic hill and pilgrimage site a few kilometres north, often combined with a walk to Reilig Mhuire.
Practical Information
- Opening: Open to the public year‑round during daylight hours; no admission fee. No specific opening hours are published – visitors may access the site at any time while it is daylight.
- Facilities: Well‑maintained footpaths suitable for walkers of moderate ability. No visitor centre; information boards near the entrance provide details on plot capacities and the pilgrimage station.
- Accessibility: The historic terrain and uneven ground mean the site is not wheelchair‑accessible.
- Contact: For enquiries, contact Limerick City and County Council’s Environment, Climate Action and Shared Services department via the council’s main website.
Visiting Tips
- Respect the solemn nature of the cemetery – keep noise to a minimum and stay on the marked paths.
- Bring a bottle of water and wear sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to continue on to the Croagh Patrick cairns.
- Dogs are allowed on a leash, but be mindful of other visitors and the graves.
- Check the council’s news page for any special events or temporary closures before you travel.
Reilig Mhuire exemplifies how a rural Irish burial ground can serve both as a dignified final resting place for locals and as a living waypoint on one of Ireland’s most iconic pilgrimages. Whether you are tracing family roots, seeking a quiet spot for contemplation, or walking the ancient stations of Croagh Patrick, the site offers a unique blend of history, spirituality and natural beauty.
For the latest news on the extension and community events, see the I Love Limerick article on the opening: Reilig Mhuire Burial Ground extension officially opens in Askeaton.