This month marks a century since one of the most ambitious engineering projects in Irish history began, an undertaking that would bring electricity to rural Ireland, accelerate industrial growth, and transform the nation’s economic and social landscape.
The Shannon Scheme, was unprecedented in scale and ambition. For a time, Ardnacrusha was the largest hydroelectric generating station in the world and remains a landmark of 20th-century engineering. Pioneering in its use of concrete, steel, and cutting-edge turbine technology, it demonstrated the vision and determination of a nation set on shaping its own future.
Now, one hundred years later, that legacy is being celebrated in A Bolt out of the Blue, a specially curated exhibition commissioned by the National Built Heritage Service in partnership with ESB, with photographs provided by the Photographic Unit of the National Monuments Service.
The centenary is more than a commemoration; it is a reminder that the same spirit of ambition and innovation that powered the Shannon Scheme must continue to drive Ireland’s energy future.
Claire Quane, Head of Renewable Operations at ESB said: “Ardnacrusha stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets engineering excellence. The Shannon Scheme transformed Ireland in ways that were almost unimaginable in 1925. As we look towards a net zero energy system, we draw inspiration from that same pioneering spirit. The challenges of today demand nothing less.”
The exhibition invites visitors to step into a defining chapter of Irelands past, while reflecting on how its legacy continues to power our future.
Minister of State for Heritage, Nature and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD followed: “I’m delighted with this collaboration between the National Built Heritage Service, National Monuments Service and the ESB on this project to mark Ardnacrusha’s centenary. As the Government continues its work to achieve a low carbon economy, it’s fitting to celebrate Ardnacrusha’s transformative role 100 years ago in powering Irish homes through hydroelectricity.”
“Ardnacrusha and the Shannon Scheme were groundbreaking for Ireland in terms of scale, engineering feat and for the modernisation of the country at the time brought about by electrification. This photo exhibition commissioned by the National Built Heritage Service and using photos from the National Monuments Service will help to ensure that its legacy is remembered for generations to come.”
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, contributing around 2% of Ireland’s total electricity supply.
Tours can be booked at Ardnacrusha Tours 2025
*The story of ESB Ardnacrusha featured on Clare FM’s Atlantic Tales series in 2022.