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Ardnacrusha Tours

Tours at Ardnacrusha Power Station 

Looking for an exciting and informative experience?  Why not visit Ireland's largest river hydroelectric scheme? Following the phenomenal interest in last year’s tours, Ardnacrusha Power Station will again open this summer. We are inviting school groups and the public to visit and explore one of Ireland's greatest engineering developments at Ardnacrusha Power Station in Co Clare. 

 

ESB is highlighting to the public through its Brighter Future Strategy, the critical role electricity has played in enhancing Irish life since the construction of Ireland’s first power station at Ardnacrusha over 90 years ago and how ESB is leading the secure, affordable transition to a low-carbon energy future for Ireland.

As part of the Shannon hydro-electric scheme, Ardnacrusha took just four years (1925 to 1929) and 5,000 workers to build. Costing more than IR£5m to construct at the time - almost one-fifth of the entire annual budget - Ardnacrusha became a symbol of forward thinking in relation to harnessing Ireland’s natural resources. With the national grid constructed at the same time, the 86 MW capacity was then enough to meet the electricity demands of the whole country. Today, Ardnacrusha represents around 2% of our total installed capacity.

Ardnacrusha Tour Information

School Group tours are available from May 23rd to June 28th 2019.

Public tours are available from July 1st to September 13th 2019.

Everyone is welcomed to the Ardnacrusha Experience at the newly refurbished visitors’ centre before going out on site to view the impressive headrace canal, locks and tailrace. Once inside the station, the living heritage of Shannon Scheme is brought to life through a series of animations which celebrate the history and impact of this iconic project. Visitors are given access to the very heart of the station with unique views of the turbine hall and a visit to the original control room. The guided tours can accommodate groups of up to 30 people and runs for approximately 90 minutes.

Booking Tours

Please use the booking system below to check for availability and schedule a visit.

Please note separate dates above for schools and public tours before making a booking. For booking queries please contact Carolyn Cousins at AIKEN, Carolyn@aikenpr.com

  • You will be required to wear Personal Protection Equipment (Hi-vis jacket; safety hat; safety glasses). These will be provided for visitors at the plant.   
    While every effort has been made to make the tour as accessible as possible there are a number of inaccessible areas to be aware of:
    There are 86 steps to be negotiated up to the headrace canal, locks and tailrace and will not suit wheelchair users or anyone with mobility difficulties.
    The Visitors Centre and Main Station are accessible to wheelchair users albeit the space can be narrow.However, the Control Room is not accessible.
    In relation to people with hearing or visual impairment there are parts of the exhibition which is not accessible but still an enjoyable experience.
    If you have a particular requirement please notify the booking office at least three weeks in advance.