Planning a Funeral
At Johnston Funeral Directors, we are here to help you plan a funeral with care, dignity, and attention to detail.
Whether you are arranging a traditional funeral, a private service, or something more personal, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step.
We understand that planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, particularly in the days immediately following a loss. Our role is to offer compassionate support and clear advice, helping you to make decisions at your own pace.




If a death occurs at home, in hospital, or in a nursing home, a doctor will need to confirm the death. In the meantime, you can contact us at Johnston Undertakers. We are available 24 hours a day to assist you to begin making arrangements.
What to Do When Someone Dies
How We Help You Plan a Funeral
We will meet with you — either at our offices, your home, or another location that suits you — to discuss the funeral arrangements.
We will guide you through important decisions, such as:
Burial or cremation
Choice of coffin
Religious or civil ceremonies
Location, date, and time of the service
Funeral notices and death announcements
Floral tributes and music
Transport arrangements
We will liaise with clergy, cemeteries, crematoria, newspapers, and any other necessary organisations on your behalf, ensuring all arrangements are made smoothly and respectfully.
Personalising a Funeral
Every funeral is unique. Whether you would like a simple ceremony or something more detailed, we are here to help you reflect the life and wishes of your loved one. Options can include personalised readings, live music, memory tables, or visual tributes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Funeral
How soon after a death can a funeral take place?
Funerals in Ireland typically take place within a week of death, but this can vary depending on family wishes and practical arrangements.
Does the funeral have to take place in a church?
No. We can help arrange funerals in alternative venues, including our own Funeral Home, local hotels, or outdoor locations, depending on your wishes.
What paperwork is needed after a death?
We will guide you through the necessary paperwork, including death registration, burial or cremation certificates, and any other documentation required.
Is financial assistance available for funeral costs?
In some cases, financial support may be available through government schemes or insurance. We can advise you on your options.
Contact Us for Funeral Planning Support
If you need to arrange a funeral, or if you would like advice on funeral planning in Kilkenny, please contact Johnston Funeral Directors. We are available 24 hours a day to provide immediate assistance and support.




Coffins
Assist and advise in the selection of a coffin from our showroom.
Repatriation
Where a death occurs abroad we will arrange for the remains to be brought home for burial


Cremation
Headstones
We will arrange and advise you on all the necessary documentation in relation to the cremation.
Advising and arranging for the erection of a new headstone or having additional inscriptions or renovations applied to an existing one.








If you have purchased a new grave, we will provide a suitable marker for your convenience until such time as you are ready to discuss the erection of a new headstone.
A cremation service, like a burial, takes place in your local church. The coffin is then taken to the crematorium where a committal service takes place, much like what would take place at the graveside.