About this job

LOCATION
Virgina, Co Cavan

KEY PROJECT ELEMENTS

A metal sculpture replica of the Virginia Brooch crafted by Foleys Forge, was commissioned by the Virginia Development Association with grant aid by Cavan County Council.  The  new sculpture  is situated in the small park beside the new seats at the end of the Bailieborough Road, in Virginia Village.

The dark colour metal is galvanised mild steel and lighter colour metal is stainless steel. It was then powder coated in metallic gunmetal grey and arctic silver.

This is a very important National Treasure and an important part of Cavan’s history.

A SHORT HISTORY

The Virginia Brooch was discovered on Lough Ramor’s shore close to Woodward’s Island a few kilometers north of Virginia, Co.Cavan, early in the 19th century. It dates from circa 900 AD, making it over 1000 years old.

Design

It is described as a silver, bossed, Irish penannular (means formed as an incomplete ring) brooch. It measures 19.7 cm in length by 11.4 cm at its widest part. The eight raised bumps are bosses and it is penannular because it is in the form of a ring, but with a break at one point.

This design was developed in Ireland during the ninth century from the older Tara type, which this example resembles. It is decorated with intricate Scandanavian design which reflects the Viking influence of the time.

Folklore says that the Vikings sailed up the river Boyne from Drogheda, into the River Blackwater and into Lough Ramor where they plundered a monastery on Woodward’s Island.

Current Location of the original brooch

The brooch has been adopted as the Virginia brooch and it is stored in the National Museum of Ireland, though not currently on display.

It was exhibited in the County Museum, Ballyjamesduff for four days in May 2012 during the Virginia 400 celebrations and was much admired by the many people who travelled distances to view it.

.