Join us for an Irish tour of South Brisbane Cemetery

As part of our St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Queensland Irish Association (QIA) is inviting Members and friends to join us for a special tour on Sunday, March 23rd at 10am as we visit the graves of some of the many Irish people laid to rest within the beautiful and historical South Brisbane Cemetery.

The Association is teaming up with Friends of South Brisbane Cemetery who will tell stories of some of the Irish people buried in the cemetery, including community leaders, farmers, ships captains, as well as tales of 19th-century sectarianism, and Catholic superstitions and symbolism.

This follows a hugely popular QIA tour of Brisbane’s Toowong Cemetery in 2024.

The Irish section of South Brisbane Cemetery features many Celtic crosses, as well as Irish symbols such as shamrocks and harps.

Among the well-known Irish figures buried in the cemetery is Captain Henry O’Reilly who captained a number of Australasian United Steam Navigation Company ships. O’Reilly’s sandstone monument is one of the most impressive in the cemetery, featuring a large ship’s funnel design at the top.

Irish freedom fighter Captain Daniel O’Carroll is also buried at the cemetery. He was a noted Irish Volunteer and a personal friend of Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins. Christmas Day 2024 marked the centenary of his passing.

The tour will take about 1.5 hours. A donation of $10 is recommended on the day, to help fund the cemetery’s maintenance and history projects. Parking is available inside the cemetery. Please wear a hat and enclosed shoes, and also insect repellent if desired. Access to toilets can be provided during the tour. Walking difficulty is medium. Enquiries to mary@queenslandirish.com.au.