An Irish Goodbye 2022

Runtime

23 mins

Language

English

English

   In rural Northern Ireland, following the untimely death of their mother, a young man with Down syndrome and his estranged brother discover her unfulfilled bucket list.

In rural Northern Ireland, following the untimely death of their mother, a young man with Down syndrome and his estranged brother discover her unfulfilled bucket list.

Does An Irish Goodbye have end credit scenes?

No!

An Irish Goodbye does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of An Irish Goodbye

Explore the complete cast of An Irish Goodbye, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for An Irish Goodbye

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Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

82

Overall, the short film is regarded as a strong entry in the short‑form category, with a blend of heartfelt storytelling and competent craft that resonated with most viewers. Positive remarks highlight its emotional core, effective humor, and solid production values, while a minority note a reliance on familiar tropes and occasional tonal unevenness. The consensus leans toward a memorable, award‑worthy piece that rewards repeat viewings.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for An Irish Goodbye

80
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, reviewers frequently commend the professional cinematography, well‑executed lighting, and evocative wintry photography that reinforce the film’s rural atmosphere. Editing and production design are noted as competent, supporting the narrative without distraction. A few critics point to overly polished visual jokes, but the prevailing view is that the technical execution is solid and enhances the overall experience.

78
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When evaluating character and emotion, the performances of the lead brothers and the supporting priest receive strong praise for authenticity and nuance, especially the portrayal of the Down syndrome sibling. Some viewers find the characters occasionally flat or the comedy unrefined, yet the general impression is that the acting conveys genuine familial tension and warmth, providing an emotional anchor for the story.

75
Echo Score

Story & Flow

The story and flow are recognized for a heartfelt premise—brothers fulfilling a late mother’s bucket list—that balances dark humor with sentiment. Reviewers appreciate the originality of the episodic tasks and the measured pacing, though a few cite clichéd elements and limited depth due to the short runtime. Overall, the narrative is seen as engaging and cohesive, delivering a satisfying arc within its brief format.

78
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Sensory experience draws attention for its atmospheric visual style, with the bleak countryside and deliberate color palette reinforcing themes of isolation and grief. Sound design and musical cues are described as appropriate, underscoring comedic beats and emotional moments. While one comment mentions overly professional artwork, the consensus is that the auditory and visual components complement the film’s tone effectively.

85
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Rewatch factor is highlighted as high, with many reviewers expressing a desire to view the film again to catch subtle jokes and character nuances. The combination of heartfelt storytelling, memorable performances, and witty moments contributes to lasting appeal. Although some wish for a longer version, the prevailing sentiment is that the short delivers sufficient depth to merit multiple viewings.

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for An Irish Goodbye

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Read the complete plot summary of An Irish Goodbye, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


London-born Turlough McCaffrey lives in London and is estranged from his brother, Lorcan, who has Down syndrome. Their mother, Grainne, dies after an illness, prompting Turlough to return to the family farm in rural Glenmornan with the plan to sell the property and move Lorcan to live with their aunt. But Lorcan resists, insisting he should stay and help care for the land.

Lorcan explains that the local priest, Father O’Shea, gave him a list of things Grainne wanted to do before she died. Turlough argues that the list is now useless, and the brothers clash over Lorcan’s wish to remain on the farm and his role in its future. The next morning, Turlough prepares to drive Lorcan away, but Lorcan refuses to leave until they finish all 100 wishes on Grainne’s list.

Reluctantly, Turlough agrees, and the siblings begin to reconnect as they work through Grainne’s wishes. They use Grainne’s urn as a stand-in for activities such as modeling for a painting, flying with balloons, and even smoking marijuana, gradually rediscovering their bond. The mood shifts when Lorcan breaks the urn while fulfilling the 99th item—skydiving—causing tension and raising questions about trust and responsibility. Turlough worries that Lorcan’s actions could jeopardize the farm and decides to put the property up for sale.

As Turlough gears up to move Lorcan out, Father O’Shea appears and reveals that he never gave Lorcan a list. This revelation leads to a confrontation, followed by remorse from Lorcan. The brothers then decide to complete Grainne’s wishes by attempting the 100th item: going to space. They celebrate by sending Grainne’s ashes into the night sky with fireworks, lying together by a bonfire. In a hopeful turn, Lorcan adds a 101st item—wishing that he and Turlough could become best friends again and that Turlough would stay in London to help care for the family farm. Turlough agrees to consider it, leaving the door open for a new path that blends their bond, duty, and home.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for An Irish Goodbye

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Short Film (Live Action) | An Irish Goodbye | Oscars95 Press Room Speech

'An Irish Goodbye' Wins Best Live Action Short Film | 95th Oscars (2023)

Official Trailer

An Irish Goodbye Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


farmfamily farmbrotherbrother brother relationshipashesurnloss of motherpriestlistdown's syndromefor sale signpants pulled downbriefswhite briefsbare chested malemale underwearirelanddead rabbitactor with down syndromedeath of mother

An Irish Goodbye Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for An Irish Goodbye across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Un adiós irlandés 爱尔兰式告别 Irské sbohem Прощание по-ирландски Irlandzkie pożegnanie 아이리시 굿바이 北愛自己人 คำขอก่อนบอกลา

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