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Step inside one of Ireland’s most iconic engineering achievements. This summer, Ardnacrusha Power Station in Co Clare is once again opening its gates, offering school groups and the general public a rare opportunity to explore Ireland’s largest river hydroelectric scheme. Ardnacrusha delivers a fascinating, behind-the-scenes experience that brings together history, engineering and Ireland’s clean energy future.

Public tours run from June 29 to September 4

Public tours follow the same immersive route, welcoming visitors to the Ardnacrusha Experience Visitor Centre before heading out on site to view the headrace canal, locks and tailrace.
Inside the station, animations and interpretive displays showcase the remarkable story of the Shannon Scheme, from its ambitious beginnings to its continued role today. Guests enjoy unique views of the turbine hall and a visit to the original control room, offering a rare glimpse into a working hydroelectric power station.
• Suitable for individuals and groups of up to 30 people
• Fully guided
• Duration: approximately 90 minutes

Book public tour

As this is a guided tour of a working hydroelectric power station, please note the following:

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (hi-vis jacket, safety hat and safety glasses) will be provided on arrival and must be worn for the duration of the tour.
  • Visitors should dress for the weather and wear appropriate sturdy footwear.

Accessibility Information. While every effort has been made to make the tour as accessible as possible, some areas have limitations: 86 steps must be negotiated to access the headrace canal, locks and tailrace. This area is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties. 

• The Visitor Centre and Main Station are wheelchair accessible, though some spaces may be narrow
• The Control Room is not wheelchair accessible
• For visitors with hearing or visual impairments, some exhibition elements may not be fully accessible; however, the tour remains an enjoyable and informative experience
If you have a specific accessibility or support requirement, please notify the booking office at least three weeks in advance.

Safety Notice: While on site at ESB Ardnacrusha, please drive carefully, observe the 15 km/h speed limit, and slow down as you approach the barriers.

For booking queries please contact Carolyn Cousins at AIKEN, Carolyn@aikenpr.com

Our Ardnacrusha generation station is a site of great historical significance. Following this Code of Conduct will help keep everyone safe and enhance everyone’s visit to our station.

Our Ardnacrusha Tour Experience aims to deliver a first-class experience to all visitors. As a working power station, the health, safety and welfare of all those working and visiting Ardnacrusha is our top priority. To help make each person’s visit enjoyable, safe and informative, we ask that visitors adhere to this Code of Conduct.

We ask that visitors please:


  • Take responsibility for your actions and do nothing to endanger yourselves or others.
  • Be aware that adults visiting are responsible for behaviour of the children in their care at all times.
  • Always follow the instructions, guidance and advice of tour guides.
  • Comply with health and safety signage.
  • Stay with your group at all times
  • Wear all personal protective equipment provided.
  • Show respect and courtesy towards others, including the general public, hydro station staff and tour guides.
  • Leave no trace- use the bins provided and be mindful of the environment.
  • Be aware of moving vehicles on-site. 
  • While on site at ESB Ardnacrusha, please drive carefully, observe the 15 km/h speed limit, and slow down as you approach the barriers.
For your safety, we ask that you please use handrails provided when ascending or descending the stairs.
Ardnacrusha reserves the right to withdraw any person from a tour that does not meet the expectations outlined above.
Ardnacrusha is a very special place. We want everyone to get the most out of their visit and leave with a greater appreciation and more knowledge of this unique site. Your cooperation with this Code of Conduct will help ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

A landmark in Irish progress

For nearly 100 years, Ardnacrusha has played a vital role in shaping modern Irish life. Built as part of the ground-breaking Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme, the station helped electrify the nation and usher Ireland into a new era of progress.

Constructed between 1925 and 1929, the project took just four years and the efforts of 5,000 workers to complete. With a construction cost of over IR£5 million, almost one-fifth of the State’s entire annual budget at the time, Ardnacrusha became a powerful symbol of Ireland’s ambition and forward thinking in harnessing its natural resources.

When it first came online, the station’s 86 MW capacity was sufficient to meet the electricity demands of the entire country, supported by the simultaneous construction of the national grid. Today, Ardnacrusha continues to generate renewable energy and represents approximately 2% of Ireland’s total installed electricity capacity.