What Is An Irish Goodbye About?
The premise of An Irish Goodbye in 270 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the rolling green of rural Northern Ireland, a family farm holds the quiet echo of generations long gone. After their mother, Grainne, passes away, two brothers return to the landscape that shaped their childhood, each carrying a very different map of the future. The city‑slicked life of Turlough contrasts sharply with the familiar, slower rhythm of the countryside, while his younger brother Lorcan, who lives with Down syndrome, navigates the world with a blend of innocence and fierce determination.
The brothers’ strained relationship is laid bare by the distance that has grown between them, a distance that suddenly feels both fragile and urgent in the wake of loss. The farm becomes a stage for unresolved feelings, as the siblings are drawn together by a surprising gift left behind: a list of wishes their mother hoped to fulfill before she died. The notion of completing these unkept dreams serves as both a gentle summons and a subtle challenge, urging them to step beyond their familiar roles and confront what truly matters to them.
The film moves with a warm, understated humor that mirrors the landscape’s beauty, allowing moments of quiet reflection to sit beside the occasional burst of unexpected adventure. As the brothers contemplate the list, the story hints at the possibility of reconciliation, the redefinition of family duty, and the simple, profound joy that can arise when two very different people share a common purpose. The tone remains intimate and hopeful, inviting the audience to wonder how far a shared hope can carry them—and what the countryside itself might reveal about love, memory, and the promise of new beginnings.
What Happens in An Irish Goodbye?
The complete story of An Irish Goodbye, from the first scene to the last, in 329 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
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.
An Irish Goodbye Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Turlough returns to Glenmornan after Grainne's death” to “Turlough considers staying on the farm”. 14 events name a place, across 13 locations.
- 1
Turlough returns to Glenmornan after Grainne's death
Following Grainne's death, Turlough travels back from London to the family farm to decide what to do with the property and Lorcan. Lorcan refuses to leave, insisting they stay and work through Grainne's wishes. The return sets the stage for the 100-wish quest and the brothers' rekindled but fragile bond.
When:immediately after Grainne's death Where:Glenmornan family farm
- 2
Lorcan recalls a list from Father O'Shea
Lorcan explains that the local priest allegedly gave him a list of things Grainne wanted to do before she died. Turlough questions the list's legitimacy and its impact on their future. The idea of completing Grainne's wishes becomes central to their plans.
When:soon after Turlough's return Where:Glenmornan farm
- 3
Turlough questions the list and their future
Turlough insists the list is useless and pushes Lorcan to reconsider staying. A heated confrontation arises about whether Lorcan should take care of the farm or move on. The brothers' bond begins to strain under the weight of constant tension.
When:that day Where:Farmhouse living room
- 4
Next morning: Lorcan won't leave until 100 wishes are finished
The morning after the confrontation, Lorcan refuses to be driven away until they have completed all 100 wishes. He proposes finishing Grainne's wishes as a way to honor her memory and their family. Turlough reluctantly agrees, opening the door to a shared, if unconventional, healing process.
When:the next morning Where:Farmhouse kitchen
- 5
Grainne's urn becomes a stand-in to fulfill wishes
As they work through the list, they use Grainne's urn as a stand-in for activities, turning grief into playful tasks. They model, pose, and improvise scenes to fulfill the wishes, rekindling their bond along the way. The process keeps Grainne's memory central to their efforts.
When:over the next days Where:Glenmornan farm studio/yard
- 6
First wish: modelling for a painting
The brothers arrange a scene to model for a painting, with the urn standing in for Grainne. They share memories of their mother and the reasons behind the list, trying to honor her wishes. The moment deepens their connection as siblings and collaborators.
When:during the early phase of the 100-wish attempt Where:Farm living area / outdoor studio
- 7
Second wish: flying with balloons
They lift off with balloons, chasing the sense of lightness Grainne wanted. The buoyant activity becomes a rare moment of laughter and trust between the brothers. The activity marks a turning point toward reconciliation.
When:during the early phase Where:Open field near the farm
- 8
Third wish: they smoke marijuana
To ease tensions and connect with Grainne's memory, they share marijuana, allowing vulnerability and memories to surface. The moment blurs boundaries between grief and play, helping them understand each other better. The list’s purpose feels both intimate and fragile.
When:during the later part of the day Where:Barn/yard area
- 9
The urn is broken during the 99th wish: skydiving
Lorcan decides on skydiving to fulfill the 99th wish, but in the process, he breaks Grainne's urn. Turlough is furious, interpreting the break as a betrayal of trust and decides to put the farm up for sale. The incident marks a major rupture in their fragile agreement.
When:when attempting the 99th wish Where:Farm property
- 10
Father O'Shea reveals he never gave the list
Seeking answers, Turlough learns from Father O'Shea that he never gave Lorcan a list. The revelation unsettles the brothers and shifts blame away from Lorcan. It also clarifies that Grainne's wishes may be a personal memory rather than a formal plan.
When:shortly after the urn incident Where:Farm / parish meeting
Show the other 4 events of An Irish Goodbye Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Deciding to finish the list by going to space
With the truth revealed, Turlough suggests completing the list by going to space with Lorcan. The plan reframes their pursuit from memory-bound tasks to a grand gesture that honors Grainne's legacy. The brothers agree to pursue this audacious finale.
When:soon after the revelation Where:Glenmornan countryside
- 12
Space finale: sending Grainne's ashes with fireworks
They send Grainne's ashes into the sky with fireworks, then rest by a bonfire as the night ends. The act feels like a tribute and a culmination of their reconciliation. The ashes' ascent marks a symbolic passing of Grainne's presence to the brothers' future.
When:night of the space finale Where:Glenmornan countryside, by a bonfire
- 13
101st wish: become best friends again and Lorcan's future choice
Lorcan adds a 101st item: that he and Turlough become best friends again, and that Turlough will leave London to stay and take care of the farm. The proposal signals a possible new life and shared responsibility. It leaves the future open, with both brothers negotiating what comes next.
When:after the ashes launch Where:By the bonfire
- 14
Turlough considers staying on the farm
Turlough agrees to consider staying on the family farm, delaying his departure from London and weighing the responsibilities of family. The choice marks a shift from a simple sale to a potential long-term commitment. The film ends on a note of hopeful possibility for their future.
When:closing moments Where:Glenmornan farm
Who Are the Main Characters in An Irish Goodbye?
4 characters, among them Turlough McCaffrey (Seamus O'Hara), Lorcan (James Martin) and Grainne (Michelle Fairley): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- TM
Turlough McCaffrey (Seamus O'Hara)
Played by Seamus O'Hara
Estranged from his brother and living in London, Turlough is practical, guarded, and determined to control his family legacy. His push to sell the farm reveals a fear of losing the ties that bind him, but his arc grows as he rediscovers the value of kinship and responsibility toward Lorcan.
- 💼 Career-driven
- 🏙️ Urban-dweller
- ❤️ Family-first
- L(
Lorcan (James Martin)
Played by James Martin
Lorcan lives with Down syndrome and a deep attachment to the family farm. He is gentle, stubborn, and fiercely loyal, using Grainne's list to make sense of his world and prove he can care for the land. His determination to stay and fulfill the wishes drives the reconciliation with Turlough, even when deception challenges trust.
- ♿ Down syndrome
- ❤️ Loyal
- 🌿 Gentle
- G(
Grainne (Michelle Fairley)
Played by Michelle Fairley
Mother to the brothers, Grainne's memory lingers as the driving force behind the 100- item list. Though deceased, her presence guides their choices as they reforge their relationship and navigate the meaning of family, care, and legacy.
- 🕊️ Legacy
- 💡 Inspiration
- ❤️ Maternal
- FO
Father O'Shea (Paddy Jenkins)
Played by Paddy Jenkins
Local priest who sparks the conflict by implying the existence of a list; he later reveals the truth, becoming a catalyst for the brothers' final act. His role underlines themes of truth, authority, and the ambiguity of guiding guidance.
- 🙏 Priest
- 🕊️ Spiritual guide
- 🗣️ Authority
Where and When Is An Irish Goodbye Set?
An Irish Goodbye is set in London and Glenmornan. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
London, Glenmornan
London is where Turlough lives, a bustling urban center that contrasts with his family roots. Glenmornan is a rural Irish farm town, home to the family estate and Grainne's memory. The film juxtaposes city life with rural duty as the brothers move between these two landscapes.
- 🎬 London
- 🏞️ Rural Ireland
What Are the Themes of An Irish Goodbye?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family Bonds, Memory & Legacy and Boundaries & Responsibility.
-
01
Family Bonds
The film centers on the renewed bond between Turlough and Lorcan as they navigate years of estrangement and conflicting loyalties. Lorcan's wish to stay and care for the farm challenges Turlough's plan to sell and relocate him to London. The process of checking off Grainne's wishes becomes a shared ritual that mends resentments and rekindles trust. The ending points toward ongoing reconciliation rather than a tidy resolution.
-
02
Memory & Legacy
Grainne's memory drives the plot as her wishes guide the brothers' actions and the use of her ashes in symbolic rituals. The list acts as a conduit for valuing presence, family, and memory beyond death. Completing the items becomes a tribute to her life and a way to keep her close. Memory shapes present choices and future possibilities.
-
03
Boundaries & Responsibility
Turlough's attempt to sell the farm creates a clash between independence and familial duty. Lorcan's insistence on completing the 100th item reveals his commitment and vulnerability, challenging the assumption that he cannot look after the property. The conflict reframes ownership as shared stewardship and mutual care. The finale hints at a future where London and Glenmornan sit together through responsibility and support.
What Kind of Film Is An Irish Goodbye?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A tender and melancholic drama about two brothers reconciling through their shared grief, balancing moments of sadness with uplifting humor and heartfelt connection.
- grieving
- nostalgic
- tender
- melancholic
- heartwarming
- reflective
- grief and loss
- brotherly bond
- family reconciliation
- bucket list
Content notes: death of a parent.
Quiz
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