Cremations

Cremation Services

Cremations are a less popular form of funeral in Northern Ireland as there are only two crematoria in the country, in Belfast and Newtownabbey. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their onsite service room – but you can also hold the service in a church, funeral home service room or other venue of your choice prior or after the cremation.

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will usually be conducted by a minister or clergy from a specific faith or religion whereas a non-religious ceremony can have a civil celebrant or officiant from the humanist society or even a family member or a friend. Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

What happens at a cremation service?

On the day of the funeral, the cortege will travel to the crematorium. Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the hearse, or may take a seat in the service room.

A cremation funeral service varies but usually lasts about 30 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you and the deceased, eulogies, readings and prayers. Mourners will be invited to go up to place flowers or say their individual goodbyes. At the end of the service the coffin is usually lowered this is called the committal, so that mourners can pay their final respects before the cremation.

Cremated remains can be collected following a cremation or by appointment. They can only be collected by the person named on the applicant’s instructions to crematorium form. Photographic ID is also required.

We can collect these for you and keep them or deliver them to an address of your choosing. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some inspirational ideas you might like to consider are available here.

Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

View price list

Ashes, Caskets, Urns and Keepsakes

We have a wide range of urns and caskets for this purpose in a variety of styles and materials such as wood, marble and stone.

View all

Our pricing

Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.

View pricing

Planning ahead?

It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.

View plans

Need advice?

Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

From the point my brother and I arrived at Shields', just a few hours after our dad had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, Ryan Richardson looked after us with professionalism, kindness, care and compassion. He talked us through the options and the arrangements and made…

Mark Simpson

Josh, Ryan, Sandra, Mark and Andrew were all excellent, professional, efficient, patient and kind. Andrew conducted the funeral on the day with dignity and style. First class.

Andrew McLellan

I was happy with all of the staff who looked after me before and during the funeral. I was especially happy with Ryan who was my first contact after the death of my husband. Ryan was kind, compassionate and very respectful, I felt like I…

Frances Mccready

I have no hesitation in recommending Shields Funeral Directors as all the staff I dealt with showed caring and kindness towards me throughout the sad process. They were very supportive in all areas.…

Irene Cummings Hazel

Following the passing of my father in law we engaged the services of shields in Donaghadee and it was positive and very professional from the outset. They stepped us through everything that we needed and arranged everything that we asked for. David who helped with…

Sasha Lendrum

I have found all the staff in Shields to be most efficient and exceptionally helpful in making arrangements for the funeral. They were first class and removed the stress and anxiety away from the family in what can be a stressful time Well done Judith…

GLENN THOMPSON

From start to finish we were treated like ‘family’🤗 it was great that nothing was too much trouble to any of the staff. All questions had answers. Before, during and after funeral was perfect and this was due to staff at Shields going above what…

Arleen Thompson

Terrie, Judith, David and the whole team at Shields have been wonderful in helping us through a very difficult time. They handled all details of my mum's funeral with great care and professionalism, and were always available to quickly help with any queries and requests.…

Sarah Johnston

Shown person centred and empathy at such an emotional difficult time to help coordinate the process and tasks associated with greater ease and assured dignity

Sharon Vanee

Caring, personal service. Excellent

John Gray

Read all reviews

Choose a prepaid funeral plan

Choice Funeral plans enable you to arrange and pay for your Funeral Director Services in advance, which could provide peace of mind to you and your family.

Learn more

Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service