OUR HISTORY
The Hole in the Wall Bar has a history as rich as the conversations shared within its walls. The building began life as Ferris’s Grocery Shop, with the Ferris family leasing and later owning the premises from 1847 to 1955.
In 1924, a change in the law required that the sale of alcohol be separate from the sale of food marking the beginning of the Hole in the Wall Bar. It’s believed the bar’s name dates back even further to when the site served as part of the old gaol formed in 1615, where families passed food and letters to prisoners through a small opening in the wall.
In later years, the bar was run by Wilfie McVeigh, described as a true one of a kind and a gentleman beyond compare. Locals still share fond stories of his time behind the bar, and it is known affectionately by many people as “Wilfies” to this day.
Fast forward to 2004, when Joanne McCall first stepped behind the bar, working part-time just for a bit of fun. It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the place and the people, and by 2007, Joanne had taken over as the new owner. From the beginning, her focus was simple… “ Bringing people together under the same roof”.
Under Joanne’s care, the bar continued to grow into a place known for its warmth, laughter, and strong sense of community. The team became more than staff – they became family, and that connection remains at the heart of the bar today
In 2018, The Hole in the Wall expanded outdoors with a new bar area, followed by a refreshed beer garden in 2019. Just when we thought things couldn’t get better, the world paused for a bit. Like everyone else, we had to adapt but our community spirit didn’t fade. We found ways to stay connected – dropping off meals, singing happy birthdays on doorsteps, doing whatever we could to bring a smile to familiar faces.
When the doors reopened, it marked a new chapter: a brighter, stronger version of the bar that had become such a beloved part of local life. That passion and perseverance have been recognised with the bar proudly being named Regional Pub of the Year for three consecutive years (2022, 2023 and 2024).
Today, The Hole in the Wall remains a place for everyone, a spot where friends meet, stories are shared, and memories are made. Every pint poured and every laugh shared adds another page to our story.
So here’s to kindness, good company, and good times, past, present, and yet to come.
