The Puffing Holes on Inis Mór

Explore the Aran Island blow holes

You may have heard of Old Faithful, the famous geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, but did you know that the Aran Islands have their very own versions called ‘The Puffing Holes’. The Puffing Holes (Na Poill Seideáin) on Inis Mor, consist of two large and one small circular blow holes, that put on an impressive display when conditions are just right.

Not to be confused with the famous nearby neighbour ‘Poll na bPéist (The Wormhole) made famous by the Red Bull Cliff Diving competitions held on Inis Mór, these blow holes are situated in various places of the island, such as at Glassilaun rocks (see map to puffing holes below).

These unique geological features allow sea water to rush into caves beneath the cliffs of Inis Mór which then ‘puffs up’ through the hole in the flat limestone landscape above, giving them their name. If the tide is high and the waves are strong when you visit, you’ll witness large columns of sea spray being pushed high into the air, then crashing back down to drain away like a giant plug hole.

During calm weather you can look down into the blow holes and experienced climbers may even climb down into the holes provided they take every safety precaution.

How to find the Puffing Holes

The puffing holes are found on the island’s east coast, beyond the settlement of Cill Einne at the very tip of the south east corner of Inis Mór. On a clear day the vertical plumes of water shooting up from the holes can be seen from the very western edge of the neighbouring Aran Island of Inis Meáin (see directions map below).

For the more adventurous, the Puffing Holes are also accessible from underwater on a guided diving trip with PADI certified local diving company Dive Academy Scuba Diving School and Water Activity Centre.

Book a trip to the Aran Islands and see the Puffing Holes

Puffing Holes location map

Advisory: Because these Blow Holes are not fenced off, practice extreme care if you seek them out; there are numerous in the region, so be cautious! Make sure to be careful to watch your step when searching for the blow holes as they are not signposted and there are no railings, hence the need to be vigilant to avoid falling into one. Also as with most off-road walks on the Aran Islands, walking over the limestone pavements should also be done with appropriate, study footwear as there are irregular natural and sharp crevices that could result in a bad twisted ankle or gash in your leg. However, this is a magnificent geological feature that is well worth the trip.

What to expect from the blow holes

Puffing Holes FAQs

How were the Aran Island blow holes made?

The blowholes were formed when marine caverns expanded towards inland and upwards, forming a vertical shaft that is exposed on the surface of the limestone pavement on Inis Mór. When waves slam into the sea cave, water frequently gushes out of the top half of the sea cave.

How many puffing holes are on Inis Mór?

There are three known Blow Holes on Inis Mor and are to be found on the very eastern side of Inis Mór at the southern tip. Two of the puffing holes are large and round and are the most famous.

How do you get to the Puffing Holes?

There is no straight road or path to the blow holes. You must first go towards the small hamlet of Cill Einne, then make your way across the rugged limestone landscape using the map on this page or these gps coordinates (53.089801, -9.642014) to find the precise location.