Eilis Lacey is a young daughter in 1950s Ireland. Her father has died and most of the other siblings have left the family home to make their way in the world. Unbeknownst to her, her mother and older sister Rose have arranged for Eilis to travel to Brooklyn with the help of Irish American priest Father Flood.
The unpleasant, rough journey in third class does not start the new life off well, but Eilis settles in to a boarding house with nicely sketched characters - all women trying to make their way in the world - and a shop assistant post at a local superstore. At a local dance, she meets italian Tony, who gradually charms her and introduces her to his family. As future plans are made, a tragedy back in Ireland recalls Eilis to her family. Tony and Eilis secretly marry in order to seal the promise that she will return, but is it enough, when family and friends in Ireland conspire to set her up with a suitable boyfriend?
