
A relaxing hideaway for the young at heart in the heart of Percy French country. Each year hundreds of privileged senior citizens enjoy a weekly break at Clare Lodge, a unique holiday home in the shadow of the Mourne mountains. This mock tudor building is in the very centre of one of Northern Ireland's finest resorts facing onto Newcastle's beautiful beach. It is open to all mobile senior citizens from all parts of the community to come and enjoy the hospitality, camaraderie and sheer vivacity of the 'Clare Lodge' experience. Built over a hundred years ago for a bride-to-be whose wedding did not take place, it subsequently became a private school for young ladies - under the Misses Parkes.
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Clare Lodge Holiday Home, Newcastle, Co Down |
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It was then purchased by the Sisters of St Louis as a convent for those who lived there, taught in St Mary's girls school or gave private tuition in music. Due to a shortage of vocations, the nuns sold it in 1975 to the Society of St Vincent de Paul and at the height of the troubles it gave respite to senior citizen from Belfast and other troubled areas to enjoy a week's peace and tranquility away from the daily strife.
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The location of Clare Lodge makes it ideal for those who want to take an effortless stroll in a world-famous location or join in the weekly coach tour that is offered by manager, Charlie Hughes, to supplement the musical evenings and other entertainment offered in the £200 per week package.
 Newcastle and the Mournes
There is no age restraint placed on conference groups and in the off-season keen week-end rates with full board are available to groups of all kinds who may wish to twin conference and study sessions with energetic hill climbing and other activities in one of Northern Ireland's 'great outdoors' locations.
Click for a closer view | First class hotel standardSince its opening a year later (1976) as a holiday home it has welcomed thousands of guests. Some fund their own holiday while SVP conferences or social services sponsor others.
Accommodation is in two, three and four bedded rooms all with hot and cold running water and adjacent to elegant shower rooms. All look directly onto County Down's best-known beach or have magnificent views of Slieve Donard or Mourne vistas. 
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The house is immaculately kept to the standard of a first class
hotel, competing in care and attention for the senior citizen with
the starred Slieve Donard hotel just a few minutes walk along Newcastle's
main street.
We cater for fit, mobile, elderly people during the summer (May
to September) and since the installation of a passenger lift, a
small number of disabled persons can be accommodated provided they
are accompanied by carers and management is made aware of their
condition.
If you are a senior citizen and would like to book a holiday at Clare Lodge or if you belong to a conference that would like to offer a week's respite to someone, contact Charlie Hughes on 028-437-23127
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