The decisions involved in planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to understand all the different costs at the same time as coping with grief. In Northern Ireland, most cemeteries are managed by local councils, and each council sets its own burial fees. This means prices and policies can vary depending on where you live or where your loved one is being laid to rest. 

Remember that funeral directors can usually help you navigate these costs, but some families prefer to explore their options themselves first. 

What Affects Burial Fees in Northern Ireland? 

Before looking at individual councils, it helps to understand what you might be charged for. Typical burial costs may include: 

• Purchase of a grave plot 

• Interment (grave opening and closing) 

• Burial of cremated remains 

• Headstone or memorial permits 

• Administrative fees or grave ownership transfers 

Most councils charge different rates depending on whether the deceased was a local resident.  

There are two crematoriums in Northern Ireland - the City of Belfast Crematorium and Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium. People may ask a funeral director immediately after a death to arrange a cremation. 

Northern Ireland Councils – Burial and Cemetery Fee Links 

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council 

• See the PDF download at the end of the page for cemetery charges https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/residents/cemeteries/  

• Crematorium charges - https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/getmedia/49599a24-1f60-442c-a1fa-5c47b0cfd930/Crematorium-Charges-2025.pdf.aspx  

Ards and North Down Borough Council 

• https://www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/Cemeteries  

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council 

• Cemeteries and burials page: https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/cemeteries/  

Belfast City Council 

• Arrange a burial and view burial fees: 
  https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-ceremonies/cemeteries/arrange-a-burial 

• Bereavement services overview: 
  https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-ceremonies/bereavement-services 

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council 

• Cemeteries and burials information: https://causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/births-deaths-and-marriages/cemeteries  

• Grave and memorial fees download: https://share.google/1eqmqxNjMaRjSBfx2 

Derry City and Strabane District Council 

• Burial charges and cemetery fees: 
  https://www.derrystrabane.com/services/cemeteries/burial-charges 

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council 

• Cemeteries and burial services: 
  https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/services/cemeteries 

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council 

• Cemetery services information: https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/cemeteries  

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council 

• Cemeteries and burial services: https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/resident/bdmcp/cemeteries/cemetery-prices  

Mid Ulster District Council 

• Cemetery fees page: https://www.midulstercouncil.org/your-council/registration-services/cemeteries/cemetery-fees  

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council 

• Cemeteries and burials information: https://www.newrymournedown.org/municipal-cemeteries  

Practical Tips When Comparing Burial Fees 

• Check residency rules: Local residents may qualify for lower fees. 

• Ask about future costs: Grave reopening, additional interments or memorial permits may be charged separately. 

• Look beyond council cemeteries: Churchyard or private cemetery fees can differ significantly. 

• Confirm what’s included: Some councils include grave digging in the interment fee, while others itemise services. 

• Use your funeral director’s experience: They can often give realistic estimates based on your area. 

A Gentle Final Word from The Farewell Guide 

Burial costs can feel complicated at a time when emotions are already running high. Taking time to understand your local council’s fees can help you feel more prepared and confident when making decisions. 

Remember, there is no “right” pace for planning and you don’t need to make every decision all at once. The Farewell Guide is here to help you explore your options, record wishes and take things step by step, in your own time.