description Poll na bPéist Overview
Poll na bPéist is a naturally formed, sharply rectangular rock pool on the limestone coast of Inis Mór, the largest of Ireland's Aran Islands. Its Irish name is commonly translated as "the worm's hole" or "the serpent's lair." Underground channels connect the pool to the Atlantic, allowing seawater to enter and leave, while its regular geometry results from fractures and bedding planes in the limestone rather than human construction.
help Poll na bPéist FAQ
Is Poll na bPéist really a man-made swimming pool?
No. The rectangular shape follows natural joints and fractures in the limestone of Inis Mór, while underground channels connect the pool to the Atlantic.
What does Poll na bPéist mean in English?
The Irish name is commonly translated as the Wormhole or the Serpent's Lair. It reflects folklore surrounding the striking opening rather than evidence that the pool was excavated by people.
Can you safely swim in the Wormhole on Inis Mór?
Swimming is dangerous because waves can suddenly surge through the submerged channels and sweep across the rock platform. The pool has no controlled entry, lifeguard service, or reliable protection from changing Atlantic conditions.
How do visitors reach Poll na bPéist?
The site is reached on foot across uneven limestone on the southern coast of Inis Mór, not by driving directly to the pool. Walkers commonly approach from the direction of Gort na gCapall or as part of a route near Dún Aonghasa.
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