Virginia Brooch set to return to Cavan

One of Cavan’s most iconic historical artefacts, the famed Virginia Brooch, is set to return home on loan as part of celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the County Museum.

The announcement was made during the May monthly meeting of Cavan County Council, which was held at the museum in Ballyjamesduff.

Dating back to approximately 900 AD, the silver bossed Irish penannular brooch is estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. It was discovered in the early 19th century along the shores of Lough Ramor near Woodward’s Island.

The brooch last returned to Cavan in 2012, when it was exhibited at the County Museum during celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of Virginia before being returned to the vaults of the National Museum of Ireland.

Opening proceedings at the council meeting, Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley praised the museum on reaching its 30-year milestone, saying it had stood “rightly proud of preserving and interpreting” the county's history.

He paid tribute to museum staff, both past and present, for their dedication and commitment, while describing the council’s ongoing support for the facility among its “most important” responsibilities.

Cllr Feeley noted that the County Museum is one of only 12 designated facilities nationwide authorised to house artefacts of such significance, and described the brooch’s temporary return as a “worthy” way to commemorate the museum’s anniversary.

The exhibition, he concluded, is expected to provide a rare opportunity for local people and visitors alike to view first-hand one of Cavan’s most precious historical treasures.

The brooch is not currently on public display, though it's legacy has been commemorated locally through a striking metal sculpture replica crafted by Foley's Forge, commissioned by the Virginia Development Association, and on display in Virginia Town.