A quick park and grab beside a small sculpture.
Parking available across the road at the garage if you're quick.
Please watch mini geocachers as this is a very busy road.
The Virginia Brooch – A Short History
The Virginia Brooch was discovered on Lough Ramor’s shore close to Woodward’s Island near Virginia, Co. Cavan early in the nineteenth century. It dates from circa 900 AD, making it over 1000 years old.
Design
It is described as a silver, bossed, Irish penannular 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 an intricate Scandinavian 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
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.