The Worm Hole on Inis Mór

Around Galway, Unusual Galway Attractions

Discover Poll na bPéist, a natural wonder

The Wormhole, Poll na bPéist or even The Serpents Lair – whatever you prefer to call it, this will certainly be one of the more unusual sights you’ll encounter when exploring Inis Mór on the Aran islands.

Poll na bPeist is located on the west side of Inis Mór Island, about 1.6 kms south of the famous cliff fort of Dún Aonghasa. The almost perfect rectangular shape of this natural tidal pool would have you believe it was man made, however it was formed naturally in the limestone rock that dominates the landscape of the islands and The Burren nearby.

This peculiar rock formation features underwater channels that connect to the sea. Water flows into the Worm Hole through a subterranean cavern, or sometimes waves crash over at high tide, filling it from the top.

Pol na bPheist, 'The Worm Hole' — Pol na bPheist, ‘The Worm Hole’

How to get to The Worm Hole

The most straightforward way to find The Wormhole is by trekking east along the cliffs from Dún Aonghasa, where you see painted rock markings indicating the way. Alternatively you can reach it by following the signs from Gort na gCapall, a tiny hamlet 750 mtrs behind Kilmurvey Beach. Both routes are outlined in the map below. Be prepared to walk across loose, jagged, uneven rocks, the closer you get to The Worm Hole. No flip flops or high heels here!

Cliff diving at The Worm Hole

In recent times, The Worm Hole has hosted stages of the renowned Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. On two occasions, the world’s best cliff divers took on the challenge of plunging 28 metres into ‘The Serpent’s Lair’ with acrobatic flair.

FAQs about Poll na bPéist / The Worm Hole

How deep is The Worm Hole on Inishmore?

Although signposted as being 150m deep, Poll na bPéist has a depth of closer to 300m and is a popular location for scuba diving.

Can you swim in The Wormhole on Inis Mór?

It is strongly advised not to swim at the Wormhole as there is no easy way out should you get into difficulty. This natural pool is filled by underwater currents and sometimes by waves washing over the top, making the conditions unpredictable and therefore swimming should be avoided.

How high is the dive into The Worm Hole?

The Red Bull Cliff Divers competing at The Worm Hole in July 2014 were required to leap from a 27 metre high platform, making it the preserve of only the most skilled and experienced cliff divers.

How was Poll na bPeist made?

At first sight you would be forgiven for believing that Poll na bPéist was constructed by human hands due to its striking rectangular shape, however this natural pool was created over thousands of years by geological forces acting on the limestone rock of Inis Mór.