A timeless farewell
Traditional horse-drawn hearse
A traditional glass hearse drawn by black Friesian horses, prepared with care for the final journey.
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Based in Dublin · Serving all Ireland
R. O’DwyerHorse Drawn Funerals
Traditional horse-drawn funeral services providing a dignified and carefully planned final journey with black Friesian horses.
About Robert
A lifelong passion for horses and heritage.
Robert O’Dwyer was reared around horses and later trained as a farrier. That lifelong experience now shapes every procession he plans with families and funeral directors.
When you contact O’Dwyer Horse Drawn Funerals, you speak directly with Robert about the horses, hearse, timing and route.
Read Robert’s storyDublinBased
IrelandNationwide service
1–8Horse options
What we offer
Our funeral services.
From an intimate horse-drawn farewell to a larger ceremonial procession, Robert will explain the available arrangements.
From one to eight horses
Horse team options
Discuss a single-horse arrangement, a traditional pair or a larger ceremonial team with Robert.
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Arranged with your funeral director
Procession planning
Timing, distance, meaningful locations and the practical procession route are considered together.
Learn moreNot sure which arrangement is suitable?
Call Robert to discuss the location, route and funeral plans.
Our horses and hearses
The O’Dwyer gallery.
Real photographs from O’Dwyer processions, showing the horses, traditional hearses and attention given to each arrangement.
For funeral directors
Direct coordination for the horses, hearse and route.
Robert works with funeral directors on availability, procession timing and practical arrangements.
Information for funeral directorsCommon questions
Frequently asked questions.
What areas do you serve?
O'Dwyer Horse Drawn Funerals is based in Dublin and can travel for funeral arrangements across Ireland. Speak with Robert about the location and route you have in mind.
What horse configurations are available?
Options range from a single-horse four-wheeler and a traditional two-horse hearse to larger processions using 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 horses, subject to the arrangements for the day.
How far in advance should we contact you?
Funeral arrangements often need to be made at short notice. Contact Robert as soon as you can so availability, the route and coordination with the funeral director can be discussed.
What breed of horses do you use?
The service uses black Friesian horses, a breed traditionally chosen for ceremonial occasions.
Can the procession include a meaningful location?
A route may be planned around a family home or another meaningful place where circumstances allow. Robert can discuss the practical route with the family and funeral director.
Can funeral directors contact you directly?
Yes. Robert works with funeral directors as well as families and can discuss availability, timing, route, horse configuration and hearse requirements directly.
A personal conversation
We’re here to help
Tell Robert the date, place and procession you are considering. If a funeral director is already helping, they are welcome to call too.