| Official Name: | Scarva |
| Irish Name: | Scarbhach |
| Static Image Name: | St. Matthews (COI) Scarva - geograph.org.uk - 1342710.jpg |
| Static Image Caption: | St Matthew's Church of Ireland, Scarva |
| Map Type: | Northern Ireland |
| Coordinates: | 54.3317°N -6.3646°W |
| Population: | 320 |
| Population Ref: | (2001 Census) |
| Irish Grid Reference: | J063436 |
| Unitary Northern Ireland: | Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon |
| Country: | Northern Ireland |
| Post Town: | CRAIGAVON |
| Postcode Area: | BT |
| Postcode District: | BT63 |
| Dial Code: | 028 |
| Constituency Westminster: | Upper Bann |
| Constituency Ni Assembly: | Upper Bann |
| Lieutenancy Northern Ireland: | County Down |
| Belfast Distance Mi: | 25 |
Scarva (meaning "shallow place, rough ford")[1] [2] is a small village and townland in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is at the boundary with County Armagh, which is marked by the Newry Canal. In the 2001 census it had a population of 320.
Scarva is home to the "Sham Fight" Pageant which is held on 13 July every year.[3] The pageant attracts thousands of members of the Royal Black Preceptory, a group related to the Orange Order, who come to march and stage a theatrical (sham) re-enactment of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne.[4]
During the Williamite War in Ireland (1689–1691), the forces of Frederick Schomberg reputedly first camped near Scarva, before marching south.[5]
Much of the village was laid-out by John Reilly, owner of Scarvagh House, in the mid-18th century.[5] This included the construction of Scarva's Presbyterian meeting house,[5] which was built in 1753.[6]
In the late 18th century, there were skirmishes in the area involving the Hearts of Steel and Break-of-day Boys.[5]
Scarva railway station opened on 23 March 1859.[7]
Scarva is on National Cycle Route 9, linking Belfast with Newry, and onwards to Dublin.
The village has a park, with playing fields and a wildlife pond, scenic walks and wild fowl sanctuary.[8]
The local primary school, Scarva Primary School, had an enrollment of 61 pupils as of 2011.[9]
The local football club is Scarva Rangers, formed in 1972. Home matches are played at Scarva Park.