Hand Carved Headstones

Honour your loved one with care, tradition, and craftsmanship.

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Hand Carved Headstones by James McLoughlin

James McLoughlin, award-winning sculptor, is proud to use his talents to give your loved one’s final memorial the skill and attention it deserves by creating a bespoke, hand crafted head stone that will last for centuries. Using natural stone quarried in Ireland and England, James takes the time to talk to his clients and learn about the deceased so that he can create a beautiful and unique headstone that honours a person’s legacy for years to come.  

Cobh native, James is an award-winning sculptor who received his training from the City and Guilds of London Art School where he won both scholarships and awards in recognition of his remarkable talent and hard work.  

James worked for the Carvers & Gilders in London, one of Britain’s most respected carvers, before he moved back to Ireland and took part in the restoration of Cobh Cathedral.  

You can find his work all around the world, from the statue of Sonia O’Sullivan in Cobh to large pieces commissioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. His headstones can be found throughout Ireland and the UK, beautifully memorialising loved ones.  

  • A hand carved headstone by James McLoughlin.
  • A hand crafted headstone by James McLoughlin made in Cork.
  • An intricately hand carved headstone by James McLouglin made in Cork.
  • A stone carving by Irish sculptor James McLoughlin.
  • A hand carved headstone by James McLouglin made in Cork.
  • A hand carved headstone by James McLoughlin.
  • Close up on the details of a hand carved headstone by James McLoughlin.
  • Two beautifully carved matching headstones.
  • A hand carved headstone that shows off the incredible texture of the stone.
  • Detail of the hand carved lettering on a grave marker by James McLoughlin.
  • Close up on the intricate details of a hand carved headstone by James McLoughlin.
  • Image shows the details of a hand carved headstone by James McLoughlin made in Cork.
  • A side view showing the details of a hand carved headstone by James McLoughlin.
  • A hand carved headstone by James McLoughlin.
  • Two beautiful matching headstones hand carved by James McLoughlin.
  • A hand carved headstone by James McLoughlin made in Cork.
  • A simple and elegant hand carved headstone by James McLoughlin.
  • A simple bespoke headstone.
  • A beautiful bespoke headstone by James McLoughlin.
  • Close up on the beautifully hand carved lettering on a bespoke headstone.
  • A beautiful bespoke headstone by James McLoughlin.
  • Images depicts a close up on the detailed elements of a hand carved headstone by James McLoughlin.

Bespoke Headstones Hand Crafted in Cork

Natural Stone Headstones

James has a talent for letting the beauty of the stone speak for itself with his natural stone headstones. Made from a variety of materials from Blue Limestone quarried in County Kilkenny to Portland Stone quarried in the UK, the colours and textures of the stone are beautifully manipulated by James’ talented hands into a truly unique memorial. 

Granite Stone Headstones

Many clients reach out to James looking for granite headstones; however, what they are most often looking for is, in fact, a limestone headstone. James works with 2 types of limestone, Blue Limestone quarried in County Kilkenny and Portland Stone, which is a white or cream coloured limestone quarried in the UK.   

Slate Stone Headstones

All of the slate James works with is quarried on Valentia Island in County Kerry. Valentia Slate is incredibly durable and requires very little maintenance to keep it looking sharp. The slate is a stunning dark blue or purple colour and allows for beautifully carved lettering.

Portland Stone Headstones

James works with Portland Stone which is quarried in Portland, England. This stone has been used to create memorials and headstones for centuries. It is soft but durable and holds details extremely well making it a great choice for an intricately carved headstone. It is well known for its uniform creamy colour and fine-grained texture.  

Bespoke Headstone Commissioning Process

Every headstone that James creates is just as unique as the person it is designed to memorialise. Because of the bespoke nature of these memorial pieces, it can take from 2 to 3 months for the headstone to be completed and fitted.   

1

Step 1

The commissioning process begins with either a phone call or an email with James where the family of the deceased have the opportunity to discuss the type of memorial they envision for their loved one and James can give them an overview of the commissioning and carving process. The size of the piece, as well as the location and choice of stone, will all be discussed.  

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Step 2

Once James has an idea as to what the bereaved is looking for, he will create a quick sketch of the project for their feedback and approval. James and the family will also look into whether planning permission is needed for the particular cemetery where the memorial will be placed. At this point, the price of the piece will also be discussed and agreed upon. If everyone is happy to proceed, a 50% deposit is required, and the stone is ordered from the quarry. 

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Step 3

It can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks for the stone to be delivered. During this time, James will create more detailed drawings of the headstone design, collaborating with the next of kin to make sure that the design accurately represents the deceased and the family’s wishes. During this time, the family is welcome to visit James’ workshop (by appointment) to discuss the memorial piece and see some of James’ other work. 

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Step 4

Once the stone arrives, the carving process begins. James translates his sketches and designs into a unique memorial that will last for decades to come. 

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Step 5

James will bring the finished piece to the loved one’s final resting place where he will erect the bespoke headstone and fit any kerb stones or other elements. 

Testimonials

  • Couldn’t recommend James highly enough!

    We got in contact with James to create a headstone for my father who passed away in 2023. We had a good idea of what we wanted and were conscious that it might be hard to get the idea across, but from the first interaction, James just got it. The headstone itself is beautiful and a perfect tribute to my Dad who loved craft and stonework. James was an absolute pleasure to work with. He made what could have been a very difficult experience much more manageable. I’d go as far to say he made it enjoyable. Couldn’t recommend James highly enough.
    Barry McKenna

  • The family was delighted

    James replaced the headstone on our family grave after it was badly damaged during my mother’s burial November, 2024. He did it very quickly as we hoped it could be completed by Christmas. He erected a lovely headstone quickly to oblige us and at a very reasonable cost. The family was delighted with his service and would recommend him highly.
    Mary McLoughlin

  • The quality of his work is top class

    James has made some beautiful family headstone carvings for me. The quality of his work is top class, he is very professional and very nice to deal with. He has extensive knowledge on all times of carvings, wood and stone and has made some other outstanding projects. I would highly recommend James for any similar type of work.
    Derek May

  • My highest possible recommendation

    It has been a great pleasure dealing with James. He is a real professional and the quality of his work is excellent. James is a gifted and highly talented individual. All of the work was carried out according to the agreed schedule and all deadlines were met. I have no hesitation in giving him my highest possible recommendation. Thank you James!
    Declan K

  • Excellent work

    James worked with me on several projects and he did excellent work, he was easy to deal with, professional and did an excellent job. Projects included repair and restore my aunts headstone. Design and build a stone plack for our house, restore limestone sills on our Georgian house.
    Mary Higgins

  • A pleasure to work with

    Thank you for your work in designing, making & erecting the plaques to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Mercy Order in Cobh.It was a pleasure to work with you
    Kevin O’Brien

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FAQs

Hand-carved headstones are shaped and lettered entirely by hand, using traditional tools and techniques. This approach allows for unique, deeply personal craftsmanship that reflects the individuality of the person being commemorated. Machine-made headstones, in contrast, are mass-produced using automated tools, often resulting in a more uniform, less detailed finish. A hand-carved piece offers a timeless, human quality that machines simply can’t replicate.

The timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the availability of materials. On average, the process takes between 2 to 3 months from initial consultation to installation. This ensures each piece is given the time and care it deserves. If you have a specific date in mind, it’s always best to get in touch early.

The process begins with a conversation to understand your vision, memories, and preferences. From there, James will create sketches and suggest layouts, symbols, and lettering styles. You’ll have the opportunity to review and refine the design until it feels right. Throughout, the focus remains on collaboration and respect for the person you wish to memorialise. 

Absolutely. Personal touches such as family symbols, meaningful quotes, poems, or inscriptions in Irish or other languages are encouraged. These details make each headstone deeply personal and are carefully carved to your specifications. 

Irish weather can be tough on stone over time, so durability is key. Kilkenny Limestone and Valentia Slate are both excellent choices, offering strength and weather resistance while still being well-suited to hand carving. James can advise on the best material based on your location and aesthetic preferences. 

Yes, James personally installs each headstone. This ensures that the integrity of the piece is preserved from start to finish and allows for careful placement that honours both the site and the stone.

Yes. If you’d like the new headstone to harmonise with others in a family plot, James can study the existing stones and create a complementary design in terms of size, style, material, and inscription. Please make sure to provide plenty of photos and details to make sure the new headstone matches.

Yes, visits to James’ workshop in Cobh are welcome by appointment only. James enjoys welcoming guests and giving them a chance to see examples of past work, view the carving process, and discuss ideas in person. Please get in touch to arrange a suitable time.

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