In 1920s Ireland, an elderly couple (Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith) reside over a tired country estate. Living with them are their high-spirited niece (Keeley Hawes), their Oxford student nephew (Jonathan Slinger), and married houseguests (Lambert Wilson, Jane Birkin), who are trying to cover up that they are presently homeless. The niece enjoys romantic frolics with a soldier (David Tennant) and a hidden guerilla fighter (Gary Lydon). All of the principals are thrown into turmoil when one more guest (Fiona Shaw) arrives with considerable wit and unwanted advice.