Technical/Cultural Visits
The Technical and Cultural Visits for UPEC 2023 will be held on the afternoon of Thursday 31 August 2023. We have organised the following visits in Dublin and the surrounding area.
1. Turlough Hill Pumped Storage Power Station*
Turlough Hill is Ireland’s only pumped storage power station, located in the scenic Wicklow Mountains, south of Dublin. Construction began at Turlough Hill in 1968 and it was brought into commercial operation in 1974. At the time it was the largest civil engineering operation ever undertaken in the country. The capacity of the station is 292MW during peak periods and can go from standstill to full capacity in 70 seconds. It does this by releasing water from the upper reservoir and allowing it to flow through four turbines into the lower reservoir. During periods of lower demand, water is pumped back to the upper reservoir, ready to be used again. This helps flatten the ‘demand curve’ for electricity over any given 24-hour period. In 2004, Turlough Hill became the Hydro Control Centre (HCC) for the entire ESB hydro fleet which contains 19 generators in total.
Please note that given the nature of this visit, robust footwear is an essential requirement (no open toe shoes no heels etc. are permitted). There is a significant number of steps involved. Delegates with mobility concerns should contact upec2023@TUDublin.ie. A visit to the upper reservoir will be facilitated, weather permitting.
* Please note that given the nature of this visit, robust footwear is an essential requirement (no open toe shoes, no heels etc.). There is a significant number of steps involved. Delegates with mobility concerns should contact upec2023@TUDublin.ie. A visit to the upper reservoir will be facilitated, weather permitting.
2. Powerscourt House and Gardens
The tour is to Powerscourt House and Gardens in County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Powerscourt House is a 68 room mansion which was completed in 1741. It was designed around the medieval castle in the style of Palladian architecture. The Gardens stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks. Powerscourt Gardens include The Walled Gardens, The Italian Garden, The Dolphin Pond, The Japanese Gardens, Pets Cemetery and Pepperpot Tower.
3. Dublin Walking Tour
This tour starts from the Grangegorman campus and will include many of the historic sites in Dublin city, including Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar and Christchurch Cathedral. The tour will give visitors a taste of the literary, social, commercial and political history of Dublin and will encourage visitors to explore the rich heritage of the city.
4. Guinness Storehouse
Since 1759, the home of Guinness has been at St James’ Gate in Dublin. During a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, you’ll find out how Guinness is made and discover the story of how it came to be one of the world’s most successful brands. You’ll finish off by tasting a pint of the black stuff while enjoying a 360-degree view of the city.
