In the 1920s, political activist and free-thinker Jimmy Gralton built a dance hall in rural Ireland as a place for young people dance, play music and learn. As the hall grew in popularity its socialist and free-spirited reputation brought it to the attention of the church and politicians who forced Jimmy to flee and the hall to close.

A decade later, at the height of the Depression, Jimmy returns to Co. Leitrim from the US and vows to live the quiet life. The hall stands abandoned but as Jimmy sees the poverty and growing cultural oppression within the community, the leader and activist within him is stirred. He makes the decision to reopen the hall, and in doing makes himself an enemy of the establishment.