Ardnacrusha reopens for public tours this summer

ESB have announced the reopening of the historic Ardnacrusha power station to the public this summer.

Public tours of Ireland’s first national hydro-electric station are now running until September 8 2023, following a successful month of school group visits throughout June.

Five guided tours are available daily from Monday to Friday. Each tour runs for 90 minutes and can accommodate groups of up to 30.

Commissioned in 1929, the Shannon Hyrdo-Electric Scheme at Ardnacrusha in County Clare was a groundbreaking achievement of the early Irish Free State. The tour takes visitors on a journey which begins with the build and commissioning of the power plant, bringing them to the present day and to how ESB, through its brighter future strategy, is leading the secure, affordable transition to a low-carbon energy future for Ireland.

Visitors are welcomed to the Ardnacrusha Experience at the recently 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 the Shannon Scheme is brought to life through a series of animations which celebrate the history and impact of this iconic project. Access is granted to the very heart of the station with unique views of the turbine hall and a visit to the original control room.