An Irishman, working in London as a labourer, is called back to his home on the Aran Islands, to join a friend in a deep-sea fishing venture.

While waiting for the arrival of their trawler, we see the friends at work, catching mackerel, fishing for lobsters; watch a neighbour collecting seaweed for sale to mainland factories for its valuable chemicals.

A spectacular storm tests the strength of the new trawler; the first catch is a rich one. and the Islander fully savours the freedom of his new life at home.