Irish Poetry for Farewell: Lines That Comfort

When we say goodbye to someone we love, words can feel impossibly small. Yet poetry has a way of holding grief gently, offering language for what we cannot say. Ireland is a land of storytellers, dreamers, and artists. For centuries, we’ve been blessed with some of the greatest poets in the world. Voices that can turn grief into something tender and luminous. When words fail us at times of loss, Irish poetry often steps in, offering language that comforts and connects.

In this article, we’ll share:

• Beautiful farewell lines from Irish poets
• The meaning behind the words
• Why these poems resonate at funerals and memorials

Why Poetry Matters at Farewell

Poetry doesn’t erase grief, but it gives it shape. A few lines read at a funeral, written in a sympathy card, or spoken quietly at a graveside can bring comfort and connection. Irish poetry often blends themes of nature, faith, and enduring love, making it deeply suited to moments of goodbye.

Lines That Comfort

1. W.B. Yeats – “When You Are Old”

"But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face."
Yeats reminds us that love endures beyond youth and beauty. These lines speak to a love that remains even as life changes—a poignant choice for a farewell.

2. Seamus Heaney – “Clearances”

"And here is love like a tinsmith’s scoop
Sunk past its gleam in the meal-bin."
Heaney’s words capture the quiet, ordinary gestures that hold deep love. Perfect for remembering someone whose presence was woven into everyday life.

3. Patrick Kavanagh – “Memory of My Father”

"Every old man I see
Reminds me of my father."
Kavanagh writes with simplicity and truth about how grief lingers in the faces of strangers. A line that resonates with anyone missing a parent.

4. Eavan Boland – “This Moment”

"Stars rise.
Moths flutter.
A child sleeps."
Boland’s imagery reminds us that life continues in small, tender ways—even in the shadow of loss. A comforting thought for those seeking peace.

5. John O’Donohue – “Blessing for the Departed”

"May you see the reflection
Of your life’s kindness in all the tears that fall for you."
O’Donohue’s blessings are deeply spiritual and compassionate, offering solace and gratitude for a life well-lived.

How to Use These Lines

• In a eulogy: Quote a line that reflects the person’s spirit.
• On a sympathy card: Pair a short verse with your own message.
• During a service: Include a stanza in readings or prayers.

Looking for Sympathy Cards?

Browse our range of Irish-themed sympathy cards here. 

Related Reading:
Irish Blessings for Funerals: Meanings and Origins