During the late 19th century, affluent English-woman Agnes MacDonnell lives in a house on Achill island, off the west coast of Ireland. When Agnes hires tough-guy Irishman Daniel Lynchehaun to work for her, the two soon begin a secret and tumultuous affair. But Daniel's fits of irrationality and erratic behavior finally errupt into violence and he attacks Agnes, disfiguring her. Escaping from prison and fleeing to the United States, Daniel is given asylum as a politcal refugee. But caught in a cycle of rage and revenge, Agnes pursues Daniel for one last confrontation.