In the early part of the twentieth century the Lyne family of Eskadour, County Kerry: encounters several challenges that threaten their survival. Though most of the children in the family are young, they bravely man a farm and battle members of the British forces. Despite overwhelming odds, they overcome their obstacles and optimistically move forward. But when additional difficulties come their way, it is John, the sixth of their twelve children who remains focused on his dream of living in America to find his fortune.
Meanwhile, in Cavan, seventeen-year-old Sheila McGovern is also contemplating her future. As she leaves Ireland bound for England, she cannot help but wonder if England is the answer, even though her supportive brother lives nearby. Years later, after she finally decides to join her sisters in New York, she encounters John at an Irish dance, and they quickly fall in love. As fate steps in, now only time will tell if they can fulfill all their dreams of a brighter future in America. A Struggle for the Irish American Dream shares an in-depth look at life in Ireland at the beginning of the twentieth century as two young people leave everything behind to reach America and all its promises.