Ravara

Ravara is a rural townland in County Down, Northern Ireland. It has an area of 1242.98 acres. It is situated in the civil parish of Killinchy and the historic barony of Castlereagh Lower, located just south of Ballygowan. It lies within the Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Demography

1659 Census

In 1659 the population of Ravara was 12.

100% were Irish

1901 Census

On Census Day the population of Ravara was 269 from 63 households.

47.2% Male
52.8% Female
31.2% reported Catholic
66.5% were Protestant
0.4% reported as attending the Church of Ireland or the Irish Church
66.2% reported Presbyterian
2.2% reported as other

1911 Census

On Census Day the population of Ravara was 331 from 70 households.

52.9% Male
47.1% Female
19.3% reported Catholic
78.3% reported Presbyterian
2.4% reported as other

1951 Census

On Census Day the population of Ravara was 372 from 104 households.

50.5% Male
49.5% Female

Religion

According to the 1911 Census of the Religious professions of the inhabitants of Ravara are as follows:

78.3% Presbyterian
19.3% Roman Catholic
2.4% 'Other Persuasions'

There is just one church in the townland of Ravara, this being the Ravara Non-subscribing [Presbyterian Church of Ireland|Non-subscribing Presbyterian Church]. This church, both congregation and building, was founded in 1837. The church building is located just 0.5 miles south of Ballygowan along the A21 [road (Northern Ireland)|Saintfield Road(A21)]. The current Minister is Rev. Alistier Bell.
The Manse of Ballygowan Presbyterian Church was Ravara House from around 1865-1980. The road which the Manse was once on is still called the 'Manse Road' despite the Manse of Ballygowan Presbyterian Church now being The Burn Road in Magherascouse.