The Shaughraun ("shock rawn") is an action-packed romantic adventure complete with heroes, villains, intrigue, and mayhem. Set in mid-19th century Ireland, the story revolves around Conn, the village Shaughraun — described as "the sould of every fair, the life of every funeral, the first fiddle at all weddings" — and his friend Robert, a young Irish gentleman who has been unfairly banished to Australia. Robert escapes to the coast of County Mayo to be with his true love, and when the English officer sent to recapture him falls in love with Robert's sister, the plot thickens!