Star of the Sea Cemetery was established in 1874 by the Catholic parish of Star of the Sea, which was founded in 1854 to serve the Irish immigrants who worked in the town's shoe industry. The cemetery covers about 10 acres and contains over 3,000 graves, many of which are marked by simple wooden crosses. The cemetery is notable for its scenic location overlooking Marblehead Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as for its rich history and cultural diversity.

The entrances to Star of the Sea Cemetery are on Layafette Street (MA-114). 

Star of the Sea Cemetery is adjacent to Forest Hill Conservation Area where there are trails.