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 Dŵr 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.
Dolgarrog 100 Programme:
For those who cannot atttend please use this live link to join us on YouTube. Dolgarrog 100 Live Link
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 programme has already started with two special exhibitions:
Dolgarrog Past, Present and Future. St. Mary’s Church - Open every day from 24th October - 8th November 2-6pm. Exhibitions include an historical exhibition detailing 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 also have an opportunity to add your own thoughts about the way forward for the village.
Cog Dolgarrog, in conjunction with the Northern Eye Photographic Festival, is hopsting a unique photographic exhibition- Now Dolgarrog. Opening every day from 2-4pm from 11 October - 21 November.
2nd November Event Schedule:
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!!
Canllaw | Guide
Mae’r rhaglen swyddogol yn dechrau am 2yp / The official programme starts at 2pm
1. Cog Dolgarrog CIC, Conway Road LL32 8JS 🕐 12–4yp / 12–4pm
Now Dolgarrog gan y ffotograffydd Mark McNulty – dathliad o’r pentref a’i drigolion 100 mlynedd yn ddiweddarach.
Now Dolgarrog by photographer Mark McNulty – a celebration of the village and its residents, 100 years on.
2. St Mary Church, Dolgarrog LL32 8JN 🕐 1–4yp / 1–4pm
Dolgarrog: Y Gorffennol, y Presennol a’r Dyfodol – arddangosfa mewn tair rhan a gyflwynir gan Brifysgolion Caerdydd a Bangor ynghyd â grwpiau artistiaid ac awduron Dolgarrog.
Dolgarrog: Past, Present and Future – an exhibition in three parts, brought to us by Cardiff & Bangor Universities and the Dolgarrog Artists
3. Canolfan Porthllywd, Conway Rd LL32 8JU. 🕐 2-3yp / 2-3pm
RWE – Trydan Dŵr yn Nolgarrog ers 1907
a Gwneud Traciau – prosiect Rhwydweithiau Natur tair blynedd yn Nolgarrog.
RWE – Hydroelectricity in Dolgarrog since 1907 and Making Tracks – a three-year Nature Networks project in Dolgarrog.
4. Ixora Hotel, Conway Rd LL32 8QE 🕑 2–4yp / 2–4pm
Te Prynhawn – drwy wahoddiad yn unig.
Afternoon Tea – by invitation only.
5. Shades, Conway Road LL32 8JU 🕐 2–4yp / 2–4pm
Lle Tawel i ymlacio ac ymlwybro.
Quiet Space to chill and relax.
6. Gerddi Coffa | Memorial Gardens – Hillside entrance. 🕑 2–3.30yp / 2–3.30pm
Gwneud Traciau – archwiliwch y Trac 1 sydd newydd ei adnewyddu (mynediad agored).
Making Tracks – explore the newly renovated Track (open access). Cerdded ar y Promenâd
Promenade Walks.
7. Adventure Parc Conwy Valley LL32 8QE
Caffi/ Cafe - Maes Parcio/ Car Park 12-4pm
Cawl and bread roll - £4.50
Welsh Cakes (6 Pack) - £3.95
Drinks individually priced.
Digwyddiad | Event
7. Adventure Parc Conwy Valley LL32 8QE 🕓 4.15–6.00yp / 4.15–6.00pm
Gorymdaith Lampau | Lantern Parade
Man Cychwyn / Starting Point
🕟 Cyfarfod am 4.00yp / Meet and get your lantern at 4.00pm
Cychwyn am 4.15yp / Setting off at 4.15pm
8. Cofeb Ryfel | Cenotaph LL32 8JR 🕟 4.45–5.30yp / 4.45–5.30pm
Gwasanaeth Coffa | Commemoration Service
Arweinir gan / Led by: Canon/Rev Stuart Elliot (Eglwys yng Nghymru / Church in Wales) a Y Parchedig Owain Davies (Gweinidog y Capel / Chapel Minister)
Cyfraniadau gan / With contributions from:
Bardd / Poet – Siôn Aled Owen, yn darllen “Rhaeadr / Cascade” and Côr Dolgarrog / The Dolgarrog Choir.
9. Gerddi Coffa | Memorial Gardens – Gwydyr Road 🕟 5.30–6yp / 5.30–6pm
8.55yp, 2il Tachwedd 1925 : 8.55pm, 2nd November 1925: Margaret Sinnott Wedi’i bortreadu gan / Portrayed by Morfudd Hughes
Argraff (In Memoriam) Porthllywd Cyfansoddwyd gan / Composed by Dr Gareth Churchill Yn cynnwys / Featuring Llio Evans a Chôr Cymunedol Dolgarrog / and Dolgarrog Community Choir
Goleuo’r Lampau Coffa / Lighting of Memorial Lamps
Crëwyd gan / Created by Vicky Buxton, Porthllwyd Pottery
Noder / Please note:
Bydd y ffordd ar gau o 4.00yp tan 6.30yp.
Road closure will be in place from 4.00pm – 6.30pm.
Gallery
