ESB offering free guided tours of Ardnacrusha power station this summer
The ESB has announced that it will once again run guided tours of Ardnacrusha Power Station in county Clare for school groups and members of the public this summer.
The company said the free tours will offer the public "an opportunity to explore one of Ireland's most significant engineering landmarks".
School group tours will take place from May 22 to June 30, with public tours beginning July 1 through to 5 September 2025 (weekdays only).
The tours are designed to provide a fun, engaging and informative experience, tracing the story of electricity in Ireland from the station's origins in the 1920s to ESB's modern-day commitment to renewable energy and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Brendan Shine, Plant Manager at Ardnacrusha, said: "All the staff working here at Ardnacrusha are delighted to once again open the gates of the station to school groups and the public so they can get an insight into the workings of our great station, and the contribution it has made to the country's economic and social history.
"Our guides will ensure this is a memorable experience for all, and we encourage anyone interested to book early."
Visitors on the 90-minute guided tour will learn how Ardnacrusha revolutionised life in Ireland and continues to play a vital role in ESB's sustainability efforts.
Participants will also gain insight into some of the cutting-edge renewable energy technologies being adopted by the organisation.
Bookings for the tours are essential and can be made at www.esb.ie/ardnacrushatours, where visitors can also find accessibility information and check available dates.
Commissioned in 1929, Ardnacrusha was the centrepiece of the Shannon hydro-electric scheme—a visionary project that symbolised Irish independence and industrial ambition.
Constructed by 5,000 workers over four years, the scheme cost over IR£5 million, the equivalent of 20% of Ireland’s GDP at the time.
With an initial capacity of 86 megawatts, it was enough to power the entire country. Today, Ardnacrusha remains operational and contributes around 2% of Ireland’s total electricity supply.