[1] A key source of employment in the area is fishing,[3] and the pier has its own ice plant and fish processing factory run by Glenmar Shellfish Ltd.[4] Tourism is also an economic driver, and among the area's attractions are boat trips to view whales, dolphins and seals.

[6][7] Archaeological sites in the immediate area include evidence of a number of ringforts, a souterrain and a lime kiln in Ballincolla townland.

[11] One tradition says the name originates from the blood split at a battle fought there in the early 16th century between O'Donovan septs of Clancahill and Sliocht Íomhair.

[15] In July–August 1922, as part of the Irish Free State offensive of the Civil War, national army troops landed at the quay in Union Hall in order to outflank the local Republican forces.

[16] In January 2012, the Tit Bonhomme fishing vessel sank near Glandore Harbour, and the people of Union Hall spent several weeks searching for the Irish and Egyptian sailors who died.