There has always been something special about Union Hall but for many years it seemed a pleasant back water on Glandore Bay, part of a troika of villages which line this lovely West Cork enclave – Leap at the top of the bay famous for music at Connolly's of Leap and its wild Scarecrow Festival every Halloween, West Cork "Millionaires Row" at Glandore which counted British PM Jim Callaghan, his daughter Baroness Jay and businessman Tony O'Reilly as summer residents lured no doubt by the excellent food to be enjoyed in the hostelries whilst viewing Adam and Eve, the islands which guard the harbour mouth. Then across the water you see Union Hall, a historic place, home of a hardworking fishing port and home of Glenmar Shellfish Ltd which has done much to bring the wonderful fish from the wild Atlantic to appreciative customers at home and abroad.
Union Hall now has a new restaurant offer to match its wonderful location in the centre of Ireland's premier foodie region of West Cork, with the opening of the well named Dock Wall on the Union Hall waterfront. In 2021, a few locals, Ciaran and Catherine Woods, along with Tadhg and Sharon Bergin, transformed the old Maloney’s pub into a brand new bar and restaurant, the Dock Wall. “We’d always intended to open a restaurant, but with the recession in ‘08, it wasn’t possible,” Ciaran says. But during a barbecue for the local rowing club, they got the idea to open one, right here in the village. And that original spark quickly grew — they’d originally planned on a small 40 seater, but after Tim McCarthy, the builder, saw the potential in the building, they decided on nearly 80 seats.
And it’s a credit to Union Hall — from the mouth-watering food to the modern, comfortable design, to the sunset views from the garden overlooking the causeway. It’s not just the villagers who have noticed; for the first time in a long time, people are travelling to Union Hall again. The 80 seats are filled with people returning for the fresh food and cocktails. It has built up a loyal following of locals and visitors as word has spread, so do make sure to book as it can be a busy spot. The first thing you notice when you enter is the wonder job Tim McCarthy made of the building, respecting its craftsmanship but updating it. It has a wonderful flow with a cosy bar on the front and the restaurant seating is at the rear and on the first floor mezzanine, both of which have harbour views and in Summer the waterside deck which hosts barbecue's is a lovely location.
As you walk in the welcome is warm, the menu is varied featuring the great produce of Cork, the service is informal and assured and the cooking is confident respecting the produce with great presentation of all the dishes from chef's who take pride in their craft. The fact that Dock Wall is also a pub means there is a full range of beverages to accompany your meal choices and there is a really well considered good value wine list. Leave some room after your main for the deserts are scrummy and are all made in house. There is a pride here as evidenced by the lovely design and fittings, quality tableware, making the customers feel special but above all a pride in showcasing such amazing produce on their door step. The quality and location has garnered many positive reviews, recognition and awards including being regional winner of an award for Best Pub Food.
Dock Wall offers a warm West Cork welcome in a lovely informal setting, showcases great local produce presented with respect for the quality local ingredients by a talented kitchen team all within the lovely setting of Union Hall.
