Ireland's No. 1 FREE magazines for parents & teachers of primary school children
Ireland's No. 1 FREE magazines for parents & teachers of primary school children
ESB Ardnacrusha is once again welcoming school groups and the general public for free guided tours this summer. Enjoyed by thousands in previous years, these tours offer a unique opportunity to explore Ireland’s first hydro-electric power station—one of the country's most iconic engineering achievements.
Commissioned in 1929, the Shannon hydro-electric scheme was a monumental project constructed by 5,000 workers over four years. With a cost exceeding IR£5 million—equivalent to 20% of Ireland’s GDP at the time—Ardnacrusha became a powerful symbol of national progress and innovation. At its inception, the station’s 86 MW capacity was sufficient to meet the entire electricity demand of the country. Today, it contributes around 2% of Ireland’s total installed electricity capacity.
The guided tour provides insight into how electricity has transformed Irish life since Ardnacrusha’s construction more than 90 years ago. It also highlights ESB’s commitment to a sustainable future through its Driven to Make a Difference: Net Zero by 2040 strategy, showcasing how the company is embracing next-generation renewable technologies.
Tour Schedule:
To book a free tour or find more information, including accessibility details, please visit:
👉 esb.ie/who-we-are/ardnacrusha-tours-2025
Please note: Separate dates apply for school groups and public tours. Be sure to check the schedule before booking.
What Visitors Are Saying:
"I’m a mom of three kids—14, 11, and 6—and we all found the tour incredibly interesting. We were actually disappointed when it ended—we wanted it to go on longer! We learned so much and would love to return for another visit. The guides were very knowledgeable and answered every question with ease."
"We just returned from a school tour with 26 pupils from 2nd and 3rd class. The organisation was top-notch. The children were fascinated throughout. The tour guides were calm, patient, and answered every question. We can't praise the team enough. We’ll definitely be back!"