EXHIBIT 23(a)



                               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP




We consent to  the reference to our firm  under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement (Form  S-4) and the related Proxy
Statement-Prospectus of First Virginia Banks, Inc.  for  the
registration  of  4,048,584  shares  of  its  common  stock,  and  to
the incorporation by reference therein of our  report dated January 13,
1994, with respect  to the  consolidated financial  statements  of First
Virginia  Banks, Inc.  incorporated  by reference in its Annual  Report
on Form 10-K for  the year ended December 31,  1993, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                    /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Washington, D.C.

Date: October 21, 1994