The Rise of Private Resomations in Ireland: A Simple, Gentle and More Sustainable Farewell
- Pure Reflections
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
For generations, funeral traditions in Ireland have remained largely unchanged. Families gathered around a loved one in a coffin, attended a wake, followed by a funeral Mass or service, and then a burial or cremation. While these traditions continue to provide comfort to many families, attitudes towards death care are evolving.
Today, more people are seeking funeral options that are simpler, more environmentally responsible, and more reflective of their personal values. As Ireland's first dedicated Resomarium, Pure Reflections is proud to be at the forefront of this change, offering families a gentle and sustainable alternative through a private resomation.
What Is Private Resomation?
Resomation, also known as water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, is an environmentally friendly alternative to flame cremation and burial. Using water, temperature, and natural alkalinity, the process gently returns the body to its natural elements, producing ash-like remains that are returned to the family in an urn.
Unlike traditional cremation, there is no flame, no smoke, and no carbon emissions, making it one of the most sustainable forms of final disposition available today.
A Different Approach to Saying Goodbye
Contrary to popular belief, a loved one does not always need to be moved immediately following a death. In many circumstances, families can remain with the deceased and share precious final moments before funeral arrangements proceed.
When a death occurs in Ireland, whether at home, in a hospital, nursing home or hospice, a doctor must first certify the death. Once this has happened, families can spend a final day or evening together with their loved one in familiar surroundings.
At Pure Reflections, we encourage families to view this time as their wake.
This final period together allows family members and close friends to gather, share memories, express their love, and say goodbye in a personal and meaningful way. The deceased can remain peacefully in the room where they passed away, without being immediately moved or placed into a coffin.
Many families tell us this intimate farewell feels more natural, personal, and less rushed than traditional arrangements.
What Happens Next?
As families have already shared their final farewell in the comfort of familiar surroundings, there is no need for many of the traditional funeral elements that are often required in conventional burial or cremation arrangements.
No requirement for embalming.
No requirement for an expensive coffin.
No unnecessary transportation between multiple locations.
The deceased is placed directly into the resomation vessel where the gentle water cremation process takes place.
Following completion of the process, the resomated remains are carefully prepared and returned to the family in an urn, typically within four working days.
Celebrating a Life, Not Following a Formula
Receiving the urn quickly provides families with flexibility when planning a farewell.
Families may choose to:
Hold a traditional funeral Mass.
Organise a celebration of life service.
Arrange a memorial gathering with family and friends.
Scatter in a meaningful location.
Keep the urn at home or place it in a columbarium or memorial garden.
The key difference is simple: instead of the body being present in a coffin, the loved one is present in an urn.
This allows families to focus on celebrating the life that was lived rather than following a prescribed funeral format.
The Benefits of A Private Resomation
Simplicity
Many families are looking for a straightforward and dignified funeral option without the complexity and pressure that can accompany traditional arrangements.
A Private resomation removes many of the logistical challenges while still providing families with the opportunity to gather, grieve and honour their loved one.
Affordability
Traditional funerals can involve numerous expenses, including embalming, coffins, hearses, and burial costs.
By eliminating many of these requirements, a private resomation offers a more affordable alternative while maintaining the highest standards of care and dignity.
Environmental Responsibility
Environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important to Irish families.
Resomation uses significantly less energy than flame cremation and produces no carbon emissions. It also avoids the environmental impacts associated with burial, including land use, embalming chemicals and resource-intensive coffin production.
For those who have spent their lives caring for the environment, resomation offers a final act that reflects those values.
Leading a New Era of Funeral Care in Ireland
As society changes, so do our expectations around death and remembrance. More people are seeking meaningful, environmentally conscious and family-focused alternatives that allow them to say goodbye in a way that feels right for them.
At Pure Reflections, we believe every family should have the freedom to choose a farewell that reflects their values, their beliefs and their loved one's wishes.
A Private Resomation offers exactly that — a gentle, dignified and sustainable alternative that puts families first.
As Ireland embraces new approaches to funeral care, Pure Reflections remains proud to lead the way, helping families create meaningful farewells while caring for the world we leave behind.
For more information about private resomation and the services available through Pure Reflections, contact our caring team. We offer a nationwide service.
Contact Us
Phone: +353 1 969 6990
Email: info@purereflections.ie
Website: www.purereflections.ie
Located: Pure Reflections Resomarium, Abbeylands, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 X9FK
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