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.
A Huge Thank You
A heartfelt Thank You / Diolch from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who came, to all who contributed in the weeks and months leading up to the Dolgarrog 100 commemoration, and to those who continue to nourish and strengthen our very special community. This gathering was not just an event — it was a beautiful reflection of Dolgarrog’s spirit, resilience, and unity.
Our sincere gratitude goes to our funders, and to Judith Sharp and the remarkable Conwy Council events team, whose dedication, patience, and hard work helped us bring our vision to life.
We offer our deepest thanks for the extraordinary art direction from Ruth Fabby MBE and her remarkable vision and the dedication to bring the human stories of the disaster to life, and for commissioning Gareth Churchill’s wonderfully moving musical composition, which carried so much emotion and meaning.
We are truly grateful to the actors who so powerfully brought the stories of the Dolgarrog writers group to life, reminding us of the voices, memories, and lives that shape our shared history. Our warmest thanks also go to everyone involved in the exhibitions across the church, COG, and Community Centre — including Bangor and Cardiff Universities, RWE and Mark McNulty whose thoughtful collaboration created spaces of reflection, learning, and honour.
The lighting of the hand-crafted lamps made by Vicky Buxton was a tender and unforgettable moment. And as we carried the lanterns made by the Dolgarrog Art Group, school children, and families — accompanied by the gentle and uplifting voices of the Dolgarrog Choir — we shared a moment of peace, togetherness, and quiet reflection that will stay with many of us for a long time.
We offer special appreciation to Ann Jones for her months of devoted work gathering the names for the afternoon tea, contributing hours of research into her written and art pieces exhibited at Canolfan and the Church and for her continued dedication in invigilating the special church exhibition, which remains open from 2–6pm daily for anyone who has not yet had the chance to visit.
Thank you also to the extra staff at Cog Dolgarrog, Ixora Hotel and Adventure Parc, and to Sian for opening up as a quiet space for people to pop in for a chill and relax. Thanks too to Lee for opening up Fusspots to feed us all at the end of such a meaningful day! — all your support meant so much!
The Knit and Natter group goes from strength to strength and they are already planning their next letter box cover so be quick to see the Dolgarrog 100 cover and don’t miss that photo opportunity!
There are truly too many people to name individually, but please know that every single contribution, every shared story, every hand offered, and every moment given has helped make this commemoration deeply moving and unforgettable for Dolgarrog. From our hearts to yours — a huge DIOLCH to all who helped create such a special and lasting memory for our village and for everyone connected to it.
Photo credit: Mark McNulty
Gallery
