Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

graves on film

Visitors flock to Glasnevin Cemetery thanks to moving documentary

The cemetery is the last resting place of the likes of Michael Collins, as well as over 1.5 million other people.

undergroundfilmspro / YouTube

VISITORS FROM IRELAND and beyond have been flocking to Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery after watching One Million Dubliners.

The feature documentary, directed by Aoife Kelleher, went on general release in cinemas in October.

The fascinating and touching story of the history of the huge cemetery – which was built in 1832 and is the last resting place of figures from Irish history including Michael Collins – also introduced people to the late historian Shane MacThomais.

MacThomais passed away in March, just as filming was coming to an end, and his interactions with visitors and thoughts on life and death have connected with many viewers.

shane macthomais Shane MacThomais One Million Dubliners One Million Dubliners

George McCullagh, CEO of Glasnevin Cemetery, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland today that on Saturday and Sunday last week they had a “colossal” amount of visitors, with “some coming from very far afield”.

He said that people are “absolutely fascinated” with MacThomais’s story, and the attitude that a lot of the staff members at the cemetery have towards death. He said the latter was what “struck a chord” with people.

Read: One Million Dubliners: ‘Everyone has someone buried in Glasnevin’>

Read: Glasnevin historian Shane MacThomais dies>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
31
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.