ESB Archives
The home to the story of Ireland’s electrification. See the role ESB has played in the social, economic and cultural history of the country from its’ foundation.
Our history
Explore the rich history of Ireland’s electrification and the evolution of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) through a curated collection of articles, photographs, films, and interactive features.
View ESB’s timeline.
The Shannon Scheme
The Shannon Scheme was the biggest engineering project of its time in Europe, and workers flocked from all parts of Ireland and Scotland to seek employment.
The Rural Scheme
The Rural Electrification Scheme was devised as a means of bringing electricity to the whole island of Ireland.
Explore Ireland’s electrification
History of generation stations
The ESB logo
Learn about ESB’s advertising history
Since its inception, ESB public relations played an important role in the promotion and education of the nation in electricity.
Featured stories
1962 IRRS tour of Ardnacrusha
The story of the first passenger train to visit Ardnacrusha power station.
Connecting the islands
Tracing the electrification of Ireland’s offshore island communities.
Rural memories: Jerry Corbett, Cork
Photographs and memories from a lifetime spent helping to electrify Ireland.
Heavy haulage fleet in ESB, 1934 – 2003
Exploring the vehicles that powered ESB's heavy haulage operations.
Electricity in local authority housing
Exploring ESB’s vision for the modern all-electric home.
The first computers in ESB
When ESB brought Ireland’s largest computer installation into service.