Virginia Library
Virginia, Cavan, Ireland
2018 - 2023
Delivered as a joint venture between Keys + Monaghan and Cooney Architects, the new Civic, Cultural & Library Services Centre in Virginia forms part of a wider ambition to reinvigorate Ireland’s small market towns and strengthen the civic life of rural communities. Ireland’s small market towns have played a vital role in the life of rural communities for generations. However, many have suffered from years of decline, vacancy and loss of activity. In response, government initiatives such as the Town Centre First approach, supported by Rural and Urban Regeneration Development Funds, have placed renewed emphasis on public realm investment and the reuse and adaptation of existing buildings. This project for Cavan County Council embodies these principles through the careful reimagining of the Ramor Theatre, a protected former church, together with the neighbouring former Parochial House. These historic buildings are brought together with a new library and community building, creating a unified civic and cultural campus at the heart of Virginia. A dynamic glass and steel structure connects the existing and new buildings, accommodating the principal circulation routes while establishing a clear architectural distinction between historic fabric and contemporary intervention. What began as a brief for a new town library evolved into a much broader integrated arts, cultural and community facility, giving the existing buildings renewed purpose and creating a new civic focus for the town.
Passing through the former Parochial House the full drama of the new foyer linking Library, Theatre and House is apparent. It is an exciting space with steel stairs and bridges, opening onto the newly created stepped “town square”. The three main elements are all connected and legible. The house is respectfully restored, and all parts retain their own identity. This link space accommodates literary events, musical performances, and tourism information
The library is clad in Irish limestone to reflect its civic importance. Slot windows to the road reduce overlooking. Large windows to the inner court, provide space to read with views over the quiet plaza, garden, and river beyond. The building is naturally lit and ventilated. The restored house follows best conservation practices using breathable wool and insulated lime plaster. Banks of PVs on the library roof provide electricity. The building had achieved an A3 BER rating which is exceptional, given the sensitive restoration of the historic fabric of the Parochial House.
This project integrates several functions into a new cultural complex to enhance the sustainability and vitality of a small market town. It supports the community, fostering culture and creativity. It has encouraged further regeneration fulfilling the aims of the “Town Centre First “policy. This scheme received an RTPI Planning Award and was shortlisted for the Building of the Year Awards 2024
The former Parochial House is an important landmark on the road into Virginia from Dublin and provides the main entrance to the new Library. While a contemporary glass tower, identifies the new entrance to the Ramor Theatre. The Ramor had previously been accessed down a dark side passageway. The library and civic building have a new public presence. The new library building is obliquely visible, with a projecting window looking towards Main Street. It steps down in level, responding to the sloped site.
The library and theatre share the former Parochial House for front of house activities. The rear corner of the house has been carved away, widening the entrance to provide a new box office and secretary’s office. The other “front room” acts as a community art gallery and is designed to become a work hub should the need arise. Cellular first floor rooms accommodate offices and canteen for both the theatre and library. Improvement works to the ancillary spaces of the Ramor Theatre will provide updated facilities for actors, new dressing rooms, green room, storage while addressing accessibility challenges. The new stair leads to the first-floor theatre foyer which is transformed by the insertion of a new window and inbuilt seat to contemplate the building’s new life while looking out over the graveyard.
