Set on Achill Island at the end of the 19th century, "Love and Rage" tells the story of the relationship between Agnes MacDonnell, an independent lady living alone on a large estate, and a local peasant James Lynchehaun.
After some persuasion, Agnes agrees to employ Lynchehaun as manager of the estate and an affair ensues. Soon Agnes begins to question the motives of the increasingly threatening Lynchehaun, and believing that he intends to take over her life and property, she has him sacked.
What follows is a tale of violence and revenge.