What to do after a death in Ireland

• Immediate (hours): medical confirmation/pronouncement, then instructions on what happens next.
• Days 1–3: choose a funeral director (undertaker) if using one, begin funeral arrangements, gather key documents.
• Usually within ~5 days: register the death with the Civil Registration Service (timing may differ if the coroner is involved).
• Days 2–7: notify employer, insurers/pensions, protect mail and finances, start essential household admin.
• Weeks onward: estate steps (executor/administrator tasks, assets and debts, Probate/Letters of Administration where required).

• At home (expected death, under GP/hospice care): call the person’s GP (or out-of-hours doctor). A doctor needs to attend to confirm death and begin the medical paperwork.
• At home (unexpected or unclear): call 999 or 112. Gardaí and medical services may attend, and the death may need to be reported to the coroner.
• In hospital: the hospital team will guide you. Ask who your point of contact is (ward nurse, bereavement office) and what paperwork will be issued next.
• In a nursing home/care setting: staff will contact the GP/doctor and explain next steps. Ask what the facility will do and what you need to do.

• Secure the home: lock doors/windows, locate keys, secure valuables, and consider turning on a light in key areas if visitors are coming and going.
• Medication safety: secure medications (especially controlled items) to prevent accidental or inappropriate use.
• Pets: arrange immediate care for pets (food/water first; then who will take them overnight).
• Gather what’s visible: passport/ID, PPS number if known, medical card, bank cards, insurance cards, recent mail, phone, and any paperwork sitting out.
• Choose one communicator: ask one trusted person to update family/friends so you’re not repeating the news dozens of times.
• Write down basics: time/date, who attended (doctor/Gardaí), and any instructions given. This helps later when you’re tired and details blur.

In Ireland, a doctor issues a Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death when the cause is known and there are no concerns requiring referral. In certain situations, the death must be reported to the coroner.

• Coroner involvement is more likely if the death was unexpected, the cause is unclear, there was an accident or injury, there are concerns about care, or the person was not recently under a doctor’s care.
• If the coroner is involved, timelines can change. There may be additional examination before the person can be released for funeral arrangements.
• Ask: Who is my point of contact? (hospital, Gardaí, or coroner’s office) and what can I do now vs what must wait?

A death must be registered with the Civil Registration Service. Often a relative registers the death, and many funeral directors will guide you through the sequence and what to bring. If the coroner is involved, the coroner’s office will advise how registration will proceed and when.

• Gather details: full name (and any previous names), date of birth, address, occupation, and details of a spouse/civil partner.
• If known, bring the person’s PPS number and any health coverage details (medical card/health insurance).
• Request multiple certified copies of the death certificate. Banks, insurers, and providers commonly ask for certified copies.

• Identity: passport/ID, birth certificate (if available), marriage/civil partnership certificate or divorce papers (if relevant).
• Financial overview: recent bank statements, credit card statements, mortgage/rent, utility bills, car/house insurance, pension paperwork.
• Work & benefits: employer details, pension provider contacts, insurance policies (especially life cover), PPS number if known.
• Home & assets: property documents/lease, car logbook/ownership, keys, safe location, list of recurring subscriptions.
• Digital: phone, email access, and any password manager or written password list (if it exists).

• Secure mail: collect post daily, consider redirecting mail where appropriate, and ensure the letterbox is secure.
• Protect devices: keep the phone/computer safe, don’t wipe anything, and preserve access if you can (photos, contacts, two-factor authentication).
• Be cautious with bank notifications: you can start gathering information right away, but avoid irreversible actions (closing accounts, moving funds) until you know who has legal authority.
• Keep a call log: dates, names, reference numbers, and what each organisation asked you to do next.

Depending on circumstances, there may be financial or practical support available through the Department of Social Protection and other schemes (for example, supports related to surviving partners, dependent children, or prior benefit entitlements). Eligibility depends on personal circumstances.

• If the person was receiving state payments, ask what needs to be updated and what happens next.
• If you are a spouse/partner or have dependent children, ask about survivor-related supports and any bereavement-related payments that may apply.
• If the death affects housing or rent support, ask what must be reported and how to avoid gaps.

Funeral arrangements can usually be made over several days. Your funeral director can handle logistics, coordination with clergy/celebrant, and many paperwork steps. If there is a will, it may include wishes, but families often adapt plans based on what is practical and meaningful.

• Decide on burial or cremation, and where the ceremony will be held (church, funeral home, crematorium, or another venue).
• Choose the style of ceremony: Catholic, Church of Ireland/Protestant, humanist/non-religious, or a blend. Your funeral director can advise on typical timing and sequence.
• Ask for a written estimate and clarify what is included vs third-party fees (for example: cemetery fees, crematorium fees, notices, flowers, musicians).
• If cost is a concern, ask what choices make the biggest difference (often venue options, cars, printed materials, and add-ons).

• Preserve access: keep the phone and email accessible if you can. Many accounts rely on email and text codes.
• Social media: consider memorialisation options later. There is no rush in the first week unless posts are causing distress.
• Subscriptions: make a list first; cancel gradually once you’re sure it won’t break access (for example, phone plans tied to authentication).
• Photos and documents: back up important photos and files when you have capacity.

• Locate the will and identify the executor. If you know the solicitor involved, contact them.
• Secure the home and valuables, and check insurance requirements for an empty property.
• Gather a basic inventory list: bank accounts, debts, pensions, insurance, property, car, and any significant personal items.
• Keep receipts for expenses you pay (funeral costs, essential property costs) and write down why each payment was necessary.