Ardnacrusha Power Station Visitor Experience
ESB is once again opening the gates of the historic Ardnacrusha Power Station Visitor Experience. They are inviting school groups and the public to come and explore one of Ireland’s greatest engineering developments.
Ardnacrusha Hydroelectric Power Station is marked as one of the Engineering Milestones of the 20th Century and one of Ireland’s greatest engineering developments. ESB Ardnacrusha has played a critical role in enhancing Irish life since its construction more than 90 years ago, making progress possible through the electrification of the country.
As part of the Shannon hydro-electric scheme, Ardnacrusha Power Station 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 total installed capacity.
Almost a century later, ESB continues to lead the way towards a secure, sustainable future for Ireland through the Driven to Make a Difference: Net zero by 2040 strategy, readying the country for an affordable transition to a Clean Electric Future. You can learn more about this strategy on the tour.
Ardnacrusha Power Station Experience Tours
Visitors are 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.
ESB is highlighting 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.
Tour Information
School Group Tours are available from May 29th to June 30th 2023 and are suitable for both primary and secondary level.
On arrival, teachers and pupils will take time in the visitors’ centre where they will gain knowledge of how the famous Shannon Scheme came into being before going out on site to view the impressive headrace canal, locks and tailrace.
Students are given access to the very heart of the station with views of the turbine hall and a visit to the original control room where they will also learn how ESB is leading the transition to a reliable, affordable, net zero energy future.
The guided tours can accommodate groups of up to 30 people including accompanying adults, and runs for approximately 90 minutes.
Public Tours are available from July 3rd to September 8th 2023.
Visitors are welcomed to the Ardnacrusha Power Station Experience at the 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 individuals and groups of up to 30 people and runs for approximately 90 minutes.
Some things to know before you book this exciting tour of a working hydro plant:
- You will be required to wear Personal Protection Equipment (Hi-vis jacket; safety hat; safety glasses)
- 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 are not accessible but still an enjoyable experience.
- If you have a particular requirement please notify the booking office at least three weeks in advance.
Booking Tours
School Group Tours – May 29th to June 30th 2023
Public Tours – July 3rd to September 8th 2023
Please note separate dates above for schools and public tours before making a booking. For booking queries please contact Carolyn Cousins at AIKEN, [email protected]
For further information visit here
