Town of VIRGINIA

"Virginia, a market and post-town, in the parish of Lurgan, County of Cavan, and province of Ulster, 14¾ miles (S. E.) from Cavan, and 40 (N. W.) from Dublin; containing 930 inhabitants. It was founded in pursuance of the plan for colonising Ulster in the reign of Jas. I, when 250 acres were allotted for the site of a town to be erected between Cavan and Kells, and called Virginia, which was to have been made a borough, but has never been incorporated. The patent was originally granted to Capt. Ridgway, but was as- signed to Capt. Culme, who, in 1719, had a house and large bawn in a strong situation, and there were at that time in the town eight houses built of timber and occupied by English tenants and a minister, who kept a good school. Capt. Culme also held the lands of Lough Ramor, or the manor of Chichester, comprising 1000 acres. The town, which is pleasantly situated on Lough Ramor, consists of about 130 houses and, within the last few years, has been greatly improved by its noble proprietor, the Marquess of Headfort." [From Lewis' Topographical Dictionary (1837)]

"VIRGINIA, a small market town in the parish of Lurgan, barony of Castlerahan, county Cavan, Ireland, 16 miles S.E. of Cavan. It is situated on Lough Ramor, and belongs to the Marquis of Headfort, of Virginia Park. Petty sessions are held weekly. There are a police station and a post office. Market day is Thursday. Fairs are held in each month except in January, February, and April." [Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868 by Colin Hinson ©2018]