Brian McHugh, a widower, lived alone with his five daughters and one son.  All lived happily, but as the girls grew older they yearned for some excitement in their lives. 

One day a group of young girls from the local village came to the house to invite McHugh's son and daughters to the ceili which was to be held on the Fairgreen that evening.  But McHugh, acting on the promises he made to his wife on her deathbed said no.  In spite of pleading from his children, he continues to say no and leaves the house in a rage.  His son and youngest daughter reluctantly accept his decision but his other four daughters have made up their minds that they are going to the ceili.

They have a wonderful time there, but while they are gone tragedy strikes at home.   McHugh's son has accidentally set the house on fire and his young sister dies in the blaze. When his father returns, he finds his daughter dead and knowing that the other girls have disobeyed him he banishes his four daughters to the Underworld.  McHugh and his son hold a wake to which the dead girl's spirit returns.

The Second half opens with McHugh lamenting his decision to banish his four daughters to the Underworld.  In the Underworld the four girls plead with Queen Domnu, Queen of the Underworld to release them, but to no avail.

Meanwhile McHugh's son asks De Dana, Queen of all that is good, to help him get his sisters released.  De Dana agrees.  A great battle ensues between the followers of De Dana and Queen Domnu.  De Dana wins and the four girls are released from their spell.

There is great joy as the four girls are reunited with their father and brother again.

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