Welcome to Dolgarrog Community Council Website
Dolgarrog Community Council works to represent the interests of the village’s residents, collaborating with Conwy County Borough Council, local organisations, and public bodies to support ongoing development and well-being.
The population increased to 429 at the 2021 Census. The community extends up to, and includes part of, Llyn Cowlyd in the Carneddau. The village remains well connected to the wider Conwy area, with easy access to the A470, A55 and A5. The village is served by Dolgarrog railway station, a halt on the other side of the river Conwy
In November 2025, we will come together to mark the centenary of the Dolgarrog Dam Disaster—a pivotal event in our history. This anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, honour those lost, and celebrate the enduring strength and resilience of our community.
Dolgarrog: A Village Shaped by a Unique History
Dolgarrog is a small village located in the heart of the Conwy Valley, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. Nestled between the steep slopes of the Carneddau mountains and the River Conwy, Dolgarrog was a perfect location for the early adoption of hydroelectric power in the early 20th century. This groundbreaking infrastructure, which harnessed the power of an extensive network of lakes, dams, and pipelines in the uplands, brought electricity to the village and helped support the establishment of a nationally important aluminium factory in the early 1900s. This industrial development brought significant changes, and the village rapidly transformed from a rural settlement into a thriving industrial community. The abundant electricity enabled a nationally important and very early aluminium factory to be built in the village. In 1922, the hydro became the UK's first to supply public electricity. Industrialisation changed the nature of the community forever, and its heritage is a feature of everyday life today.
The village well known for its innovative industrial history was sadly blighted by the 1925 Eigiau dam disaster, that claimed 16 lives. Despite this tragedy, the aluminium works continued to thrive throughout the 20th century, playing a key role during World War II. The factory operated until 2007, before being replaced by the world’s first commercial inland surf lake, hotel and adventure centre. Whilst the surf park has closed the Ixora Hotel and Adventure Parc Snowdonia still thrive. The hydroelectric system, also continues to generate power, now operated by multinational company RWE.
The uplands around Dolgarrog are also home to Llyn Cowlyd, a reservoir originally created in the late 19th century to provide water for Llandudno. The reservoir was later adapted for electricity generation, and today it remains a vital part of the region’s water and energy infrastructure, with a modern treatment plant operated by Dลตr Cymru/Welsh Water.
The village’s industrial past, combined with its rural surroundings, has left a remarkable legacy on the landscape with its strings of innovative prefabricated concrete houses built for the factory workers and the iconic twin water pipes descending down the cliffs into the village standing as bold reminders of Dolgarrog’s heritage.
Today, Dolgarrog retains a strong sense of community. With a new grocery store Storfa Dyffryn Conwy, Shades hairdressers, Beauty with Eirian Salon, Fusspots artisanal takeaway, and the Cog Dolgarrog CIC - a beautiful locally run arts and craft shop and gallery. The village has grown and evolved and continues to blend its industrial past with its rural charm.
On Sunday 2nd November 2025, our community will come together to mark 100 years since the Dolgarrog Dam Disaster – an event that shaped our village. This anniversary is our chance to reflect on the past, honour those we lost, and celebrate the strength and spirit of Dolgarrog today.
Programme for 2nd November 2025:
After months of planning, things are now really taking shape for the Dolgarrog 100 event, marking the anniversary of the 1925 Dolgarrog Dam Disaster.
The Community Council are delighted to share with you the provisional schedule for the day and hope that you will be able to join us in marking this historic event. There is something for everyone here; Art, Music, History, celebration of nature and this wonderful part of the world that we live in and on top of that, a world premiere!!
The day will start at 2pm.
Dolgarrog Past, Present and Future. St. Mary’s Church will be hosting exhibitions. These include an historical exhibition which tells the story of the disaster and its aftermath. This was created by academics from the Universities of Cardiff and Bangor, who will be in attendance throughout the day to speak to visitors. There is also an art exhibition by the Dolgarrog Art Group reflecting the years since the disaster. You will have an opportunity to add your own thoughts about the way forward for the village. There will be a special Exhibition Opening on 24th October from 4-6pm. All welcome.
The Community Centre will be hosting a display on the history of Hydro Power from 2pm until 3pm. The Community Centre will then host the reception for our special guests from 3pm.
Cog Dolgarrog will be hosting, in conjunction with the Northern Eye Photographic Festival, a unique photographic exhibition Now Dolgarrog. Opening on 11th October from 2-4pm with a soft launch of the Dolgarrog 100 programme.
There will also be a special afternoon tea for the older residents of the community (invitation only) at the Ixora from 2-4pm.
At the Memorial Gardens from 2pm there will be an opportunity to walk through the site of the disaster and reflect on the 100 years of regrowth since that terrible event. The walks will be animated with live performances along the way. (Performances finish at 3.30pm)
At 4pm the road will be closed between Tal y Bont and Dolgarrog for the evening’s special events.
At 4.15pm a lantern parade will leave St. Mary’s Church, Dolgarrog and proceed to the Cenotaph where there will be a plaque unveiling ceremony and short and moving commemoration service which will include contributions from community members and the debut of the Dolgarrog Community Choir.
At the end of the service we will move to the Memorial Gardens for the premiere of “Argraff” which is a specially commissioned piece of music for Dolgarrog.
The day will end at around 6.15 with the switching on of the Commemorative Lights hand crafted by Vicky Buxton who lives on the disaster site. These beautiful lanterns will be gifted to the Community of Dolgarrog and sited permanently around the village.
The road will be opened as soon as possible.
Gallery
