Barry Laverty, a young medical doctor, looks forward to becoming a full partner with his mentor in the Ulster village of Ballybucklebo until a romantic entanglement causes him to question his goals; meanwhile, Barry's mentor, Doctor Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly, begins his first relationship ten years after the death of his wife, to the chagrin of his housekeeper, who fears losing her position.

The New Year brings challenges and changes to the colorful Irish village of Ballybucklebo. The Christmas holidays have barely passed before a fire engulfs the humble thatched cottage housing Donal Donnally and his family. Although the family escapes the blaze more or less unsinged, Donal, his wife, their three small children, and their beloved dog find themselves with nothing left but the clothes on their back. Good thing Doctors O'Reilly and Laverty...