The Serpent's Lair, also known as the Wormhole, is a fascinating natural formation located on the island of Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands in western Ireland. This rectangular-shaped pool has been carved out of the rocky shoreline and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow channel. The Wormhole is one of the most unique natural features of Ireland, and it has a long and storied history dating back to prehistoric times. The formation of the Serpent's Lair is believed to be the result of the island's geology and the erosive power of the Atlantic Ocean over thousands of years. Inishmore is primarily composed of limestone, a type of sedimentary rock that is particularly susceptible to erosion by water. As for the rectangular shape, it comes down to pure coincidence. As the rock eroded cracking at 90 degree angles was the path of least resistance.

The history of the Serpent's Lair is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been a site of spiritual significance for the ancient Celtic people who inhabited the region around 2,500 years ago. The Celts regarded the Wormhole as a portal to the Otherworld, a realm of gods and spirits. This belief in the Wormhole's supernatural properties was likely passed down through generations and has endured to this day.

In more recent times, the Serpent's Lair has been used for various purposes. The pool was a popular spot for fishing and swimming, and local fishermen would use the channel to bring their boats in and out of the pool. During the 19th century, the Wormhole was used by the British Navy for training exercises, taking advantage of its unique shape and proximity to the ocean to practice maneuvers.

In the mid-20th century, the Serpent's Lair gained even more prominence as a result of its use in the film industry. In 1962, the Wormhole was featured in the movie "The Playboy of the Western World," which was based on a play by Irish playwright John Millington Synge. The film was shot entirely on location in Ireland and featured many beautiful natural landscapes, including the Serpent's Lair. In 2014 it was also the spot for Redbulls cliff diving competition, being so recent remanence of where the structures were are still present.

Today, the Serpent's Lair is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world who are interested in experiencing its unique beauty and history. Many people come to swim in the pool or to explore the rocky shoreline around it, while others come to learn more about its cultural and spiritual significance. The site is accessible by foot, there are a couple ways to access this site.

1. Gort na gCapal, there is a path on the western side of this village. The only issue is it does not look like a path, it is up to you to figure out where it comes from as we were unable to find the entry point

2. Dún Aonghasa, This is a popular location that is it’s own journey, but if you make it to the top and go east along the cliffs it will eventually lead to the wormhole

3. Freestyle, This is what Summer and I resorted to as we were not part of a tour group and traveling back up to Dún Aonghasa did not sound very appealing.

   Do all of these at your own risk, especially the third option.

In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the Serpent's Lair also has ecological importance. The pool is home to a variety of marine life, including crabs, starfish, and various species of fish. The channel that connects the pool to the ocean also serves as a crucial habitat for seals and other marine mammals. Some of which, depending on when you visit you could get a glimpse of.