In Ireland, the eulogy is often the moment people remember most from a funeral. It brings a life into focus and gives the congregation a chance to laugh, cry, and remember together.
But with Irish funeral costs already among the highest in Europe, many families find themselves asking: what does a proper eulogy actually cost? Here we look at the three main options and introduce an alternative that could save you time, money, and emotional energy.
People ask me about the price of a eulogy all the time. Usually something else is sitting behind the question: the worry of having to make yet another decision at a time that is already overwhelming. My honest view: what carries a eulogy is not the budget, it is the willingness to speak honestly about the person you are saying goodbye to. Which of these paths is right for you depends less on the price than on how much energy you have left in this season.
Niamh Gallagher
Option 1: Hire a Professional Eulogy Writer or Celebrant
A professional eulogy writer or funeral celebrant meets with the family, gathers stories and memories, and writes a personalised speech. Some celebrants also deliver the eulogy or conduct the full ceremony.
What does it cost? In Ireland, professional eulogy writing services typically range from €400 to €1,000 or more. A full humanist or civil celebrant service, which includes writing and delivering the ceremony, can cost €600 to €1,200+. Rates vary depending on location and the celebrant's experience.
Time required: Expect a lead time of several days to a week. During the days immediately after a death, when the removal, funeral Mass, and burial are being arranged, this means additional coordination at an already chaotic time.
Verdict: Professional and compassionate, but a meaningful added expense. With the average Irish funeral already costing €7,000 to €10,000, it adds further strain to a family budget that is already under pressure.
Option 2: Write It Yourself (DIY)
In Ireland, it is very common for a family member or close friend to write and deliver the eulogy themselves. It is a tradition deeply connected to the Irish value of honouring your own.
What does it cost? Nothing financially. But the emotional price is high. Trying to put a lifetime into words while you are in the grip of grief is one of the hardest things you can be asked to do. Many people spend days writing and rewriting, torn between the funeral preparations, family obligations, and their own mourning.
Time required: Very high and emotionally exhausting. The pressure of "getting it right" combined with grief often leads to sleepless nights, frustration, or a speech that feels inadequate despite your best efforts.
Verdict: Deeply personal and honourable, but an enormous additional burden during an already devastating time.
Option 3: AI-Powered Speech Generator
An AI-powered speech generator creates a compassionate, personalised eulogy based on the details you share about the person who has died. You answer questions about them, your relationship, and your shared memories, and receive a complete speech you can edit and make your own. Try it out here.
What does it cost? Just a fraction of what a professional eulogy writer charges. A genuine relief when funeral expenses are already mounting.
Time required: Approximately 15 minutes. You complete the questionnaire, and the AI generates a personalised eulogy. Especially valuable when the funeral is only days away and every hour counts.
Verdict: Fast, dignified, and affordable. A real source of support during one of life's most difficult moments.
The Comparison: All Three Options at a Glance
| Professional Eulogy Writer | Write It Yourself | AI Speech Generator | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | €400 - €1,000+ | €0 (but high emotional cost) | Very affordable |
| Time Required | Several days to 1 week | Days (under heavy emotional strain) | ~15 minutes |
| Quality | Very high | Variable | High & compassionate |
| Personalization | Yes (after consultation) | Yes (on your own) | Yes (via questionnaire) |
| Availability | Lead time needed, often booked | Immediate, but emotionally hard | Available instantly |
| Emotional Burden | Low (taken off your hands) | Very high | Low |
Which Option Is Right for You?
Professional Eulogy Writer
The right choice if you want someone to take the eulogy entirely off your hands, including delivering it. Particularly valuable when no one in the family feels able to stand up at the altar or podium.
Write It Yourself
A good option if you feel able to find the words despite your grief. If you have a way with words and the time to dedicate, you can create something truly special. For most people, however, it becomes overwhelming under the circumstances.
AI-Powered Speech Generator
The ideal choice for anyone who wants a personal, dignified eulogy but does not have the time or emotional energy to start from a blank page. The generator provides a compassionate foundation that you can enrich with your own stories and personal touches.
Our Recommendation: Let AI Support You Through Grief
During bereavement, even the simplest tasks can feel impossible, let alone writing a speech that does justice to someone's life. That is precisely where an AI speech generator comes in: it takes away the weight of the blank page and gives you a starting point you can build on.
Focus on what truly matters: being present for your family, attending the wake, and honouring the memory of someone you loved. Try our speech generator and let us help during this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main options for getting a eulogy written?
There are three main options. You can hire a professional eulogy writer or funeral celebrant who meets the family and writes a personalised speech, you can write it yourself as is very common in Ireland, or you can use an AI-powered speech generator that creates a personalised eulogy from the details you share. Each differs in the time it takes and the emotional energy it demands.
How long does an AI speech generator take to produce a eulogy?
It takes approximately 15 minutes. You answer a series of questions about the person, your relationship, and your shared memories, and the generator produces a complete, personalised eulogy that you can then edit and make your own. This is especially valuable when the funeral is only days away and every hour counts.
Why is writing a eulogy yourself so difficult?
Writing it yourself carries a high emotional burden even though it costs nothing financially. Trying to put a lifetime into words while you are in the grip of grief is one of the hardest things you can be asked to do, and many people spend days writing and rewriting while torn between funeral preparations, family obligations, and their own mourning. It is deeply personal and honourable, but often overwhelming under the circumstances.
Which option is best if I have little time or energy?
An AI-powered speech generator is the ideal choice for anyone who wants a personal, dignified eulogy but does not have the time or emotional energy to start from a blank page. It provides a compassionate foundation you can enrich with your own stories and personal touches, letting you focus on being present for your family and attending the wake.