Poll na bPéist, piscine naturelle en Irlande
Poll na bPéist is a natural water basin on Inis Mór, one of Ireland's Aran Islands, fed by seawater through underground channels. The rectangular pool measures about 10 meters wide and 25 meters deep, with sharp limestone edges that contrast with the turquoise water.
The basin was carved into the island's limestone formations over thousands of years by the force of ocean waves. The underground channels connecting it to the ocean continue to drive the dynamic interaction between tides and water circulation today.
The name means 'Serpent's Pool' in Irish, reflecting local stories tied to the waters. Visitors can feel this connection to old tales when standing at the cliffs and watching how the water shifts with the tides.
The site sits on the west side of Inis Mór, about 1.6 kilometers from Dún Aonghasa, and is reachable by unpaved uneven paths marked with red painted rocks. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time for a careful walk, as the cliffs are unfenced and rocks can be loose and slippery.
The pool gained fame after hosting stages of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2012 and 2017, where professional athletes jumped from cliffs 28 meters high into the narrow opening below. These events showcased the extreme power and danger of this natural site that visitors should best observe from above.
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