Poll na bPéist — the Wormhole — is a near-perfect rectangular tidal pool sliced into the limestone cliffs of Inis Mór, so geometric it looks man-made but was carved entirely by the Atlantic. Reached only on foot over jagged karst, it is one of the Aran Islands' wildest sights.
Poll na bPéist is an almost perfectly rectangular pool cut into the limestone, roughly 25 m long, 10 m wide and 10-20 m deep, looking man-made but carved entirely by the sea. Water flows in through submarine channels and, at high tide, sometimes spills in over the rim.
The most straightforward route treks east along the cliffs from Dun Aonghasa, a distance of about 1.6 km, following painted rock markings that indicate the way. The ground becomes loose, jagged and uneven near the pool, so boots or strong walking shoes are essential.
The easiest access, signposted, goes through the tiny hamlet of Gort na gCapall, about 750 m behind Kilmurvey Beach. From there it is a 15-20 minute walk over uneven ground towards Dun Aonghasa along the coast.
In summer you get clear views of the ocean about 25 m below, the cliffs and Dun Aonghasa. Winter is when the swell is at its most spectacular, with massive waves crashing in over the cliffs.
The Wormhole hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2014 and 2017, with the world's best divers plunging from a 27 m platform into the Serpent's Lair. It is strictly a spectator show — do not attempt it.
Swimming is strongly advised against: strong, hidden underwater currents and unexpected large waves make it extremely dangerous, there is no easy way out, and the whole west-facing coastline is hazardous.
Most visits combine the Wormhole with the cliff-top fort of Dun Aonghasa, whose year-round visitor centre sits at the start of a 1 km walk to the fort and has toilets and an exhibition. Adult admission there is EUR 5.00 (child/student EUR 3.00, family EUR 13.00).
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