Based on the novel by John McGahern and set in Ireland in the 1950s, the series tells the story of Moran and his children. Especially the girls find it difficult to get away from the influence of their despotic father and start living their own lives.
Moran is an overbearing father who believes himself to be benevolent, but the death of his wife makes his relationship with his five children increasingly difficult.
Maggie is reunited with Luke in London and meets her first love. Back at Great Meadow, Moran's other daughters confront their futures.
Michael is infatuated with Nell and begins to defy his father's dominance. Luke's star is rising, Sheila has met her match, and Maggie heads for married life.
Sheila's wedding offers a last chance for Luke and Moran to be reconciled. For Moran's daughters, however, his decline reminds them that were never able to leave him. In a bid to help, they organise a family reunion.
