Memorials on Lough Key

Funerals & Memorials
A way to honour the dead and celebrate their life

Planning a funeral / memorial service is never a pleasant time but it certainly can be a time to bring family and friends together, to honour and celebrate the life of the person who has passed. Holding a memorial service on the water can add a touch of happiness to an otherwise sombre and sad situation, that sense of coming together to share the love and the memories and the stories together some to be passed down through generations.

There is no better way to celebrate one’s life than to hold their memorial service on a boat. A boat charter is available for families or funeral planners in which they can host a funeral or memorial service on. This is a creative, personalised, and exclusive way to bring everyone together and remember the one who was so deeply loved and cared for. Celebrating a life on the water brings together the people who perhaps long to mourn together bringing a breath of fresh air and closure to one’s grief.

Many times, having a traditional funeral in a funeral home only makes the event that much more difficult to handle. Renting a boat for the memorial service of a loved one is a extraordinary way to celebrate their life. When you charter a boat for a memorial service, sprinkling the ashes into the open lake is a great way to release love back into nature. 

Request a Memorial Quote

Simply complete the enquiry form below and our team will review your preferred dates, times, and group requirements before coming back to you with the best available options

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Some other things to consider when hosting the beautiful water memorial service/funeral are:

  • Bring a picture of your loved one and items that they cherished
  • Deciding a theme
  • Selecting a date
  • Writing the obituary Or perhaps playing or singing their favorite song
  • Reading a poem or a story that they loved
  • Choosing a leader for the service, this can be a family member or a religious celebrant
  • Playing their favorite music
  • Candle lighting (Environmentally friendly only )
  • Flowers can also be a beautiful way of creating a presence as you watch them float away
  • Sharing a drink that your loved one preferred

Missing the one who has passed is never easy, funerals can also be seen as a celebration of one’s life.

Family, friends, and visitors should be encouraged to bring photos and memorabilia onto the boat.

This will add a touch of personalisation to the funeral and will be a conversation starter amongst attendees, cultivating conversations and reliving good times and memories. When the boat comes back to shore, invite all the guests out for snacks back at your home or at a local nearby restaurant. We can help you to arrange this and or put you in contact with the appropriate restaurant or bar.

Everyone will be anxious to chat with one another and move past the sadness that evolved throughout the funeral. Celebrating the life of a loved one through snacks and drinks is a way to take the ease off of a terrible thing. Having a memorial service upon a vessel is a great way to Remember the one who has passed, especially if they had a true love of being on the water, or fishing or general water activities.

Your attendees will find it refreshing to attend this service on something that is distinguished from the standard.

We will happily assist you to plan have this celebration of life contact us to discuss your plans

Frequently Asked Questions

Our main passenger boat can accommodate up to 40 passengers comfortably.

Our tour boat is fully covered and heated, so the experience is enjoyable rain or shine. However, if conditions are deemed unsafe by the Captain, we offer a full refund or a flexible reschedule date.

We can coordinate with local catering partners for on-board refreshments or recommend the best dining spots within the park for a post-tour meal. Please mention your requirements in the inquiry form.

What People Say

Sept 2025
Unforgettable Family Experience at Lough Key Boats
We had a wonderful experience with Lough Key Boats on Sunday, the 28th of September. The day was beautiful, and Catriona made it even more special. We first rented the boats and later decided to go on the speedboat tour, both experiences were absolutely amazing. With the rental boat, we were able to explore the lake and take time to see the island from a very close distance at our own pace. The speedboat tour then gave us a deeper appreciation of the lake’s history and beauty. We all left feeling so happy, and we want to say thank you for the fabulous memories across our whole family. We will definitely be back next summer!
Sept 2025
Amazing trip
My father in law and his friend Bob from America had a lovely time in the boat with Catriona. She was very nice with them, she gave them a great tour around showing the place. She has so much knowledge. They highly recommend her and her team. Will do it again.
Aug 2025
Above and beyond expectations!
This boat tour exceeded our expectations!! We booked it as McDermotts who wanted to just get close to McDermott castle, and we got so much more! Our guide, Oliver, was exceptionally knowledgeable about the island, the family, and the surrounding areas and he provided incredible insight into the history! We also were able to walk around the ruins of the monastery nearby. He also made sure to include the kids on some of the andventure and more. Even if you’re not a McDermott, this tour is sure to thrill and delight!
Aug 2025
Magical Family Tour on Lough Key, A Must-Do!
We had a fantastic experience with Lough Key Boats! The tour was both relaxing and filled with fascinating stories that really captured the imagination of the kids. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and brilliant with children; they went out of their way to make the trip enjoyable for everyone. From castles and ancient monasteries to local wildlife, there were so many interesting nuggets of information shared along the way. A special highlight was the kids getting to sit in the captain’s chair; a moment they’ll remember! Highly recommend this for families visiting the area. A really lovely way to explore the beauty and history of Lough!

Memorial Events Gallery