Tis the Season to Be Irish (2024) Movie Script
1
By the fire glow we can watch
the snow all night
Under mistletoe
you can hold me close inside
There's magic in the air
Sleigh bells ringing
everywhere
It feels like all my wishes
come true
I've got the holidays
with you
Twinkle lights
and hills of green
Sparkle like
a tinseltree
-Knock, knock.
-What do you think?
I think I am still in awe with
what you did with this place.
Are you sure you don't
wanna keep this one?
-Nah, you know me.
-Yeah, flip it and quit it.
The Christmas edition.
Way to make an insult
sound festive.
-Well...
-[doorbell rings]
Let the open house begin.
Imagine stockings hanging over
this refinished mantle.
Mistletoe dangling from
this crown molding.
Oh, and here's the artist behind
the renovation, Rose Walsh.
Rose has renovated several
of the houses in the area.
So, uh, any questions
about the house?
Just one.
Can we be in it by Christmas?
[man chuckles]
[instrumental music]
So, I figured I would finish off
doing the Christmas cards
while you look
for your next house.
So, where are we eyeing?
I don't know.
-Well, what sounds good?
-Top of my list?
-Ireland.
-Wha...
When my mom graduated college,
she went on this backpacking
trip all over Europe
and she said that Ireland is
where wishes come true.
Actually, I have a photo of her
when she was there.
Ah, yes.
Rose's one box of stuff.
Easy to stay on the road,
gathers no moss.
Hey, I have
an entire storage unit
full of stuff gathering moss,
thank you very much.
[chuckles]
Ooh, lots of fixer-uppers.
Good bones. It got character.
Wait, look at this article.
Buy a home in Ireland,
10,000 euros.
No, I know those programs.
[scoffs]
They're aimed at house flippers
to come and renovate homes
to help get small-town
populations back up.
It's a catch.
The renovations can be
extremely expensive
or the bids will start
really low
and then they
get really high.
Hey, look at this listing.
Rosalie's Cottage, 15,000 euro.
Wow, I can't believe
that's so underpriced.
It's gorgeous.
Wait a minute. Did it just sell?
-Call the agent.
-No...[chuckles]
I'm not gonna just buy a house
in Ireland even at that price.
-Okay, then I'll call.
-Wait, okay.
Okay, okay, I will call.
Let see...
[soft music]
[phone vibrating]
-[Sean] Hello?
-Hi!
I'm calling about
Rosalie's Cottage.
Oh, hey. Uh, I'm Sean.
How are you?
I'm fine, thank you.
And how are you?
You know, I can't complain,
although I'd like to. [chuckles]
-So what's your name?
-Rose, as in Rosalie's Cottage.
Well, Rose, like
Rosalie's Cottage,
ordinarily, this would bode
well for you, but unfortunately
I thinkthe cottage may have
already found a buyer.
Someone put it on hold
for the asking price.
You lay away houses in Ireland?
Well, no, we try to be
considerate.
Is that not a priority
where you're from?
And what if I wanted to
buy the house?
Then you'd put in
a backup offer.
Well, lucky for you,
I don't wanna buy it.
Dunclare, Ireland!
Your mom was there!
It's a sign!
Actually, I do wanna buy
the house.
Okay, well, as I said,
you wire over deposit
-and you'll be the backup.
-I don't wanna be backup.
-I wanna be first.
-Rose, you get the appeal? I do.
Okay? But I do a lot
of these listings.
A lot of buyers have no idea
what they're getting
themselves in for,
so just take a piece,
read the fine print.
[chuckles] Way to make
assumptions,
but I know what I'm doing.
I want the cottage.
I'll offer you 20,000 euros.
The offer's incoming.
Check your email.
I guess consideration is
not a priority where she's from.
What, am I crazy?
Uh, maybe you know exactly
what you're doing!
Your mom said Ireland was
the most magical place
she has ever been.
Come on, Rose.
You could use a little magic
in your life.
-[laughs]
-Look how happy she was.
I guess I'm going to Ireland.
[uplifting music]
I'm Dunclare's unofficial
tourist greeter.
Can I, uh, help you
with your bags?
See, in the States,
this is where
you would steal my luggage.
You see, in Ireland, this
is where I would
tell you you a 60-minute story
about the history of love.
So the tropes are true.
Oh, yeah, in Ireland,
we're all just whiskey,
river dance and leprechauns.
You must be sick of
the stereotypes.
Absolutely.
Once I get over this Irish flu,
I'm gonna set them straight.
So, um, what brings you to town?
I just bought one of
the cottages nearby,
so I thought I'd pop
in for some lunch
before heading over.
What about you?
What brings you to town?
The Celts.
My family have been here
since the Celts arrived.
Oh.
Good thing a joke is funnier
when you have to explain it.
Yeah.
-So what's it like living here?
-You know, small town.
People love to gossip,
but not a lot to gossip about.
Thankfully, we've got
a support group
for our town's busy bodies.
-You do?
-Yeah.
They, uh, meet
over there in the pub.
[laughs]
So can I, um, give you a lift
to your cottage
after your lunch?
Are you asking me to get in
the car with a stranger?
You're in Dunclare now.
There's no such thing
as a stranger here.
Hmm, well, be that as it may,
thank you, but
I'll get my own ride.
As you wish.
Oh, and if I don't
see you again,
Merry Christmas.
-No need.
-What does that mean?
It just means I have a bet
that I'll see you again
before Christmas.
[soft music]
[car door creaks]
[engine starts]
Hey, you must be Sean. I'm Rose.
[Sean] Hello again, Rose.
[chuckling] Of course.
When you met me in town today,
you knew, didn't you?
I did after you left.
We have this magical thing
in Ireland.
Oh, what's the Gaelic word?
Search engine.
I Googled you, Rose Walsh.
Well, I Googled you too.
But there are a thousand
Sean O'Laughlins in Ireland.
-Well, I-I do have many cousins.
-[both chuckle]
Well, welcome to your new house.
May your home always be too
small to hold all your friends.
Well, sweet, but
I won't have many friends.
I'm just here to flip the house.
Excuse me. You're-you're what?
Oh, what's the old Gaelic word
for house flipping?
Exploiting local real estate.
Is that not what
underpricing property
to attract buyers is called?
You did read
the fine print, right?
Because it says that
this property has to be
your primary residence.
And you, you signed off on that.
It will be. While I renovate,
I will live here.
I don't have another residence,
so this will be my primary.
Why do you look so offended?
Because I think
that house flipping
is the worst thing that can
happen to a housing market.
Get out-of-towners coming in,
buying affordable homes,
and doing these
overpriced refurbs
so they can make a quick quid,
and then they leave.
You bait and sell property,
which means you have
to expect that people
are gonna take the bait,
buy it, and flip.
No, because flipping
doesn't make any sense
with all the laws
around what can be done
to an historical property.
Did you not read
the many restrictions?
I did read it, so I have to work
with a historical
preservationist.
That's fine.
I have done it before.
Look, with,
with all due respect,
and I truly do mean
that, this is my house.
I've signed the paperwork.
[smacks lips] Okay then, Rosie.
Time to give you a tour.
[jovial music]
Look, that's you.
You bought it.
[door rattles]
-Well...
-[Rose coughs]
We've got a natural light
it brings, anyway.
[quirky music]
[sighs]
Ah.
Got character.
[bird wings flapping]
Floor damage, water damage,
wood damage, roof damage.
It's basically all damaged.
I mean, catfished.
House fished.
The listing did not look
like this online.
Yeah, no, so pictures were taken
when it's furnished.
Old real estate trick, you know.
Maybe the photos were
a few years old, but...
A few? Did your relatives,
the Celts take them?
[chuckles] Nice callback
and a joke you didn't get.
You're a fast learner, I see.
What do you got to
complain about?
Look, you got a great deal.
Only cost you 20 grand.
The land alone is worth
it's worth at least 60.
I mean, renovations are gonna
set you back a bit, but...
So, uh, it's gonna
get dark soon.
Would you like
a lift into town, or...
You can order a taxi again.
I was gonna stay here, so...
-Right.
-Mm-hmm.
I guess you don't need
a bed, so...
or electricity.
Or, um, running water.
You are gonna struggle
without the heating, though.
Because, um, there's no heat.
And the chimney's cracked
at the bottom.
That was disclosed, and you read
all the fine print. Right?
There is an inn in Dunclare.
It's Dunclare's only inn,
but I know there's a vacancy
if you don't mind getting
a lift off a stranger.
Anyway, I'll show you
around outside.
Great views.
[jovial music]
[engine whirring]
[car door closes]
[Sean] Looks like they got
the Christmas lights up.
Mmm. It's pretty.
You must be knackered.
If that means tired, then yes.
Well, don't have
any of the black stuff,
but there's
a chipper next door.
You should give that a lash.
What does that mean?
I was saying,
get some rest, Rose.
Some things are
out of our control.
Yes, some things are
out of our control.
And other things some people
make out of our control.
[laughs] Don't blame me.
I told you
not to buy the cottage.
[chuckles]
[instrumental music]
-Thank you.
-Anytime.
I am Dunclare's
unofficial tourist greeter,
but you're not
a tourist anymore.
You're a local, aren't you?
Goodnight.
Sorry, I'll be right with you.
Feel free to grab some
mulled wine and a seat.
-Can I leave this here?
-Oh, yeah, of course.
Absolutely.
[indistinct chatter]
[music continues]
[sighs]
-Want to dress the tree?
-Oh, no thanks. [chuckles]
-Do you work here?
-[chuckles] Oh, no.
No, I just offered to
help the inn.
But it's selfish of me, really.
You know, I'm trying to feel
like Christmas at home.
[both chuckling]
[sighs]
You all right, love?
You look daunted.
Here, have some apple cider.
[chuckles]
-Thank you.
-Mmm. [chuckles]
So, what brought you to town?
-Poor decision-making.
-Oh, let me guess.
You bought one of the cottages.
-Are there more of us?
-Mmm...
More than you'd think.
You can spot them
by their looks of dismay.
[chuckling]
-Did you buy one of them?
-Oh, no. [laughs]
No, I'm,
I'm here for my husband.
He was born and raised
in Dunclare.
Must be nice for him to be home.
Oh, in spirit only.
He passed last January.
-It's been almost a year.
-I'm so sorry.
[laughs] Oh, let's focus
on happier things.
Oh, there's Kate, then.
She also bought one of
those fixer-uppers.
I'm trying to ask her about it,
but she's a bit of a mystery.
Caitlin, come and join us.
-Caitlin, this is...
-Rose.
Rose also bought
one of the houses. Hmm.
We are comrades in
commiseration. [laughs]
Who's commiserating?
I'm loving the renovations.
Great. When will yours be done?
Things move slow here, so maybe
give or take 18 months.
18 months?
I can help you now.
O-o-okay.
Okay, so there's
the Easter lily room available
with two queen beds,
or Rosemary's room
with one king?
Seriously, does everything
there have the name Rose in it?
[laughs] I know.
The rose is a little-known
symbol of Ireland.
Important information
for a past me.
I'll take Rosemary's
room, please.
Great. And how many nights
will you be here with us?
Just until I can get
the heat on in my cottage.
-Oh, which cottage?
-Rosalie's by the sea.
Oh.
Um, so here is an
Irish advent calendar,
a little gift from us so you
can mark your stay here.
Though I think you'll need a
slightly longer calendar for...
Um, so the rooms are
just through here.
-And here is your key.
-Oh, thanks.
[instrumental music]
[Lamb Chop bleats]
Oh, hello. What's your name?
You're not much of a talker,
are ya?
Welcome to Ireland.
[Lamb Chop bleats]
[music continues]
You're back.
Well, we've got a few things
to discuss, you know.
Dunclare quirks.
Quirks like that little lamb
that followed me for almost
a mile back there?
Oh, does she have a bell
on her collar?
-Uh-huh.
-That's just Lamb Chop.
She wanders off in the Christmas
market from time to time.
I saw that.
Yeah, right on the edge of town.
It's almost
a centuries-old tradition.
I spearhead it.
Keep it going year to year.
Of course you do.
You're also the town mayor
and the fire marshal.
Oh, and did you devise this
whole real estate scam?
It's not a scam, and I was
staunchly against it.
Dunclare is just fine
the way it is.
I did warn you not to buy.
Oh, I'll never
forget that, Sean.
All right, so all renovations
have to be approved by
a historical preservationist
that was deeded to the cottage.
-Yeah.
-Where do I find them?
[quirky music]
You're the preservationist.
I told you, I'm not just
a real estate agent.
I also preserve
the local legacy.
It's hard to say if this is
inevitable or unexpected.
You know, in Irish, there's
a proverb that says,
"In Ireland, the inevitable
never happens,
and the unexpected
constantly occurs."
-What about the catastrophic?
-[chuckles]
What's the Irish
proverb for that?
Hmm.
[Rose sighs]
What if I deed the cottage
back to the town?
Well, that sounds like
a colorful euphemism
for abandoning it.
It was already abandoned.
No, no. Loved, but untended.
Fine, sign me up for that.
"Loved, but untended"
from a distance.
Okay, well, you'd
still have to pay
annual property taxes,
county ordinance taxes,
maintenance fees, plus
a disrepair fines, et al.
-Et al? There's more?
-Yeah.
I have complete faith, though,
we can find a way
to work together.
I'm always trying my best
to be considerate.
-Priority, where I'm from.
-[scoffs]
And I completely understand
the situation here.
-The situation?
-Yeah.
This is your home now.
You signed the paperwork.
[music continues]
And, uh, since we'll be seeing
so much of each other,
it doesn't need to be said,
but Merry Christmas.
[instrumental music]
[sighs]
[tapping]
[sighs]
[clangs]
[music continues]
[sighs]
Hiya. What can I get for you?
Could I please have a slice of
soda bread and medium latte?
Oh, Rose!
[chuckling]
You join your friend, and
I'll bring the food down to you.
Okay, thanks. Merry Christmas.
It's fun travelling alone,
isn't it?
Getting to do whatever
you want to do,
whenever you want to do it.
Like eating cookies for lunch?
-Exactly.
-[both laugh]
Sorry, this is actually the
first time I've travelled alone.
I always travelled
with my husband.
[chuckles]
A-and what was his name?
Well, we called him Danny,
but his given name was Declan.
Oh, I love that name.
It means full of goodness.
-And he really was.
-[Rose chuckles]
Just good-hearted.
Always smiling.
[soft music over stereo]
My children get that from him.
Why aren't they here
with you now?
Oh, they're in London
with their families.
They've grieved enough.
Their holiday should be happy.
[chuckles softly]
But I'm fine here alone.
Well, for what it's worth,
I have travelled a lot alone
and... it can be scary at first,
but it's actually
quite liberating.
When you get to a new place,
you get to pretend to be
someone completely new.
But I...
I quite like who I am.
[soft music]
So why would I want to be
someone else?
Besides, don't you get lonely?
I'm used to being alone.
[chuckles]
Mmm. Oh, sorry.
I knew you need to work.
[chuckles]
So, tell me all about Danny.
You again? Hello.
[indistinct chatter]
[festive music over stereo]
[bleats]
There you are,
you little rascal.
Come on, in you get.
Good, good, good.
[chuckles] Thank you so much
for bringing her back.
Uh, my name is Matthew,
by the way.
Rose.
Uh, I'm what you might call
the town carpenter.
Did you make all this?
[Matthew] Yeah, only
the pieces that you like.
[Rose laughs]
-And this is so sweet.
-Oh, thank you.
It's an old family tradition.
Lamb Chop's ancestors
have been coming here
nearly as long as mine.
-[chuckles]
-So, have a lovely day.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas to you.
[Sean] There's the American
I was telling you about.
-Yeah, she's quite pretty.
-She's quite frustrating.
We don't need people coming down
here flipping houses.
That's happening everywhere.
Look at Dingle.
And now, no one can buy a house,
and there's
no small businesses anymore.
Yeah, maybe.
But she's here, alone,
for the holidays.
You can be nice.
I am nice.
[quirky music]
-Sometimes.
-Hm.
Never had plum pudding?
-I don't like plums.
-Well, there's no plums in it.
It's raisins, breadcrumbs,
brandy, beef suet.
Just all the normal things
you put in a cake.
-[both chuckle]
-Right.
It's like fruitcake.
Is that a good thing?
The jury's still out.
Nollaig shona duit.
And what does that mean?
It means Merry Christmas
in Irish.
Some no-noli shoman ditch?
[laughs] Yeah, don't
give up the day job.
So, why are you here working
over the holidays?
Is that your subtle way
of prying into my life?
No, I was just making
conversation.
But, yes.
I don't really do much
for the holidays.
And my dad remarried
a few years ago,
and he spends December
with his new wife
and her children in Florida.
December in Florida
sounds like the dream.
Not for me,
but I don't like the sun,
and I just prefer
a perpetual somber mist.
Ah, well, welcome home.
And where is home for you?
A little town in Maine.
Similar to Dunclare.
Plum pudding to fruitcake.
So, why'd you leave?
Why do you stay?
Well, for me,
this is where life is.
Everyone knows who I am.
Those are the same reasons
I left.
-How old were you?
I started flipping houses,
and I've been moving
around ever since.
Oh, I see, so, you just
move from place to place
flipping houses?
Is that judgment I'm reading?
No, just all these houses,
but no home.
You know what?
I made up my mind.
I think the plum pudding
is disgusting.
And yet, you almost finished it.
[smacks lips]
[soft music]
See you tomorrow at the cottage
for the renovation meeting.
[smacks lips]
[mellow music]
You should ask permission before
decorating some of those trees.
Ah, apologies.
But it's a tradition
to decorate the fairy trees
with ribbons at Christmas.
What are fairy trees?
Well, in Celtic mythology,
they're sacred.
See, the fairies live in them
as they protect the home.
So, how do fairies feel
about renovations?
They're okay with them,
when in reason.
A good segue into your plan.
Tell me. I'm listening.
And some of the floor tiles
need to be replaced,
so I was thinking of using tiles
featuring cute Celtic designs.
Of course, I have to repaint
the entire cottage,
so I was thinking about
using a brighter paint
to really open up the space.
Um... not getting much
from you. All right, huh.
Obviously, I need to
fix the beam,
so I was thinking about hanging
a really cute chandelier
from the center of it.
Just bear in mind that
historical designation dictates
that you cannot make
any structural changes.
-No, it doesn't.
-Uh, it does.
As per
the preservationist's ruling.
I am the preservationist.
So, no-no chandeliers
hanging on the beams,
and no designs on tiles,
and the paint color
really needs to be the same
as the original cottage.
A-are you gonna stand in my way
on every single decision?
No, no, of course not.
No, no, no.
I am just trying to help you
preserve the legacy
of a beloved Irish cottage.
[instrumental music]
Oh, and, uh, it goes without
saying, but...
Merry Christmas, Rose.
Yeah, I know.
No. Irishyou
a Merry Christmas.
[quirky music]
This is a nightmare.
The cottage is a money pit,
and there is endless red tape
for even the most
basic renovations.
I am gonna spend a fortune
and be here a year minimum.
And would that be so bad?
This is you being supportive?
This is me reminding you
you found Rosalie's cottage
in the Irish village
your mother loved.
-So maybe this is the magic.
-It doesn't matter.
I have made up my mind
about the cottage.
[woman 1] All right, everyone,
one hour left to finish
the Wren Day decorations.
-I'll call you back, okay? Bye.
-What?
-Hey.
-Hi.
What are you guys making?
They're for Wren Day,
the day after Christmas.
People parade through the
streets wearing these costumes
and singing and giving food.
Is it kind of like caroling?
Like caroling, but with a twist.
-Oh.
-It's a pretty cool tradition.
But I've had trouble
understanding its origins.
Some say it started as a way to
drive the dark of winter away.
Oh, and here I thought
that's what cuddling in bed
and binge-watching TV was for.
[both laugh]
-Caitlin, right?
-Yeah.
-Rose? [chuckles]
-Yup.
Well, I'm gonna go grab lunch.
Me too, actually.
I'm gonna head to
the Emerald Ember.
-Is it good?
-Yeah, it's a cute little pub.
Plus, it's the only place
in town that serves lunch.
Oh, well,
the Emerald Ember it is.
-Do you wanna walk together?
-Yeah.
[instrumental music]
Oh, girls! Come and join me.
[chuckles]
-Oh!
-Hungry, yeah?
I still haven't got used to
ordering for one.
-[everybody laugh]
-So please, come and have some.
Or maybe you two just want to
have a quiet lunch alone.
[laughs] No. No. This is great.
Oh, I mean,
we've already ordered.
And food always tastes better
eaten with friends.
-Right.
-And wait till you see...
what we're having for dessert.
-Mmm.
-Oh!
Thank you.
-[all laughing]
-I'll see you later.
-Bye.
-Bye.
You again? What?
What is your fascination
with me?
I'm just a person
like any other person.
Let's get you back home.
[Lamb Chop bleats]
Ah, Rose. And Lamb Chop, huh?
There you go.
That's a good girl.
-I was wondering where she went.
-Don't wonder.
Just always assume
that she's with me.
Oh, well, in that case,
maybe you should consider
a career as a shepherd.
Given my current career choices,
I probably should.
-Have a good night.
-Goodnight.
-[bleats]
-There you are. All right.
[instrumental music]
I thought you said
it was disgusting.
-I guess it grew on me.
-Oh, yeah.
Things have a way of
doing that down here.
I'm sure they do,
but I'm not gonna find out
because I've decided
I don't want the cottage.
-You've decided that?
-Yes.
I would like to sell it.
There were some buyers before
me. What happened to them?
Yeah, they found
another property.
Lovely little cottage.
Livable as is.
Costs 21,000 euros.
You really should have
just upped your budget
to that price range.
Fine, then. We'll list it.
How long did it take
to sell the last time?
73 days.
-73 days?
-Mm-hmm.
And then two buyers in one day.
Like Christmas magic.
But, you know, you could sell it
quick if you listed it
and incentivized the buyer.
Incentivize how?
Do some repairs.
Offer a stipend, maybe.
Pay someone to buy the cottage?
Look, it's probably
for the best, you know?
Rosalie's cottage,
it's just not for you.
-What does that mean?
-Well, it means that
it should be with someone
who appreciates history.
Who wants to take the time to
get to know her,
to care for her. Someone who's
not a perpetual tourist.
Well, maybe it should be
listed by somebody--
Candles dear?
Rosie. Meet, my mom, Mary.
She makes candles,
has impeccable timing,
and she loves to meddle.
Yeah. Rose, I've heard
so much about you.
Please, take the candle
as a gift.
It brings in warmth
and goodwill.
Yeah.
I've heard you're here
over Christmas.
Well, Irish custom is to welcome
travelers into our homes.
So, why don't you
drop in tonight?
We'll make mince pies.
And I won't take no
for an answer.
[quirky music]
-Then I guess I'd be delighted.
-Hm.
Great.
[instrumental music]
[scoffs]
Plum pudding for your mom.
-She's allergic to plums.
-Good one.
-Now, this is the O'Laughlins?
-Mm-hmm.
That's my dad.
He died a few years back.
And that's my sisters
and my brother.
-They're all in Dublin now.
-Well, they all are?
And why did you stay?
Well, you know, I'm the eldest.
I don't wanna leave
my ma alone.
Also, I don't think there's
anything I can find elsewhere
that I can't find here.
Sean is just being modest.
He's actually Dunclare's glue.
He spearheads
the Christmas market,
the mistletoe harvest,
the Christmas day swim.
Thanks for coming, Rose.
You ready to make mince pies?
Absolutely.
So, mincemeat pie,
is that like shepherd's pie?
No, it's actually dried fruit,
nuts and apples.
So, plum pudding has no plums
and mincemeat has no meat?
Always read the fine print.
[soft music]
So, Rose, what made
you choose Dunclare?
Well, oddly enough, my mom
actually visited here
thirty five years ago.
So, I guess I'm sentimental.
Did she pass?
-Yeah.
-Oh.
But it's fine.
It's been almost 10 years.
Mm-hmm. We don't stop missing
the people we love.
Sean and I know that well.
So, what was your ma like?
She was an inherently
free spirit.
She loved adventure
and wanted to
spend her life
traveling the world.
But my dad was more of
a homebody, wanted to stay put.
They were complete opposites.
My hubby and I were quite
opposite, too.
But it worked well.
[doorbell rings]
Oh, forgive me.
That's my neighbor.
So, when you stir the mince,
you should actually, um,
stir it clockwise.
-Why is that?
-For good luck.
You believe in luck
through stirring?
No, I believe it's, you know,
it doesn't hurt to believe.
It's like when you put a candle
in the window at Christmas.
It's bad luck to
let it go out.
[soft music]
-No, I'm not superstitious.
-It's not superstition.
It's more like, um, like faith,
you know, or hope.
Besides, when in Ireland,
just go clockwise.
You really didn't have to
walk me home.
Dunclare feels very safe.
[chuckles]
I just wouldn't want you to get
lost and lose your way.
Hm. I don't mind
getting lost sometimes.
[laughs]
So, that story you told
about your mum,
was that why you traveled?
'Cause she didn't get to?
Maybe partially.
To honor her spirit.
[music continues]
I guess we're not
that different.
Both care about
preserving legacy.
[jovial music]
Hey!
You started painting already.
I was testing colors,
but I did pick one.
So, now all I have to do is
paint, refinish the floors,
stage it with Matthew's
furniture, if he lets me,
and, uh, fix the heat
so potential buyers
don't die of hypothermia.
Yeah, you know all the
real estate agent's tricks.
Yeah, trick number one,
don't kill the buyer.
I'm actually heading into town
to pick up some paint.
Could I get a ride with you?
And, hop in the car
with a stranger?
Well, there are no strangers
in Dunclare.
Just real estate agents
looking to take
advantage of naive tourists.
[laughs] Okay,
I don't quite remember it
that way,
but I'll move past it.
I would happily offer
you a lift,
but, uh, I didn't drive.
I walked.
Just passing by
and thought I'd say hi.
Hi.
Hi.
But I could bring you on
the scenic route if you want.
I live for the scenic route.
Okay. [laughs]
[soft music]
[seagulls squawking]
Down there is Cairns Beach.
Everyone comes to
the Christmas Swim.
What's that?
Well, on Christmas Day,
all of Dunclare
comes down and takes a plunge.
Isn't it freezing?
[laughs] Yeah, well,
that's the point.
It's like a baptism
of sorts, you know?
Plunge yourself
into the new year.
Sounds like a really fun way
to get hypothermia.
Yeah, it is. You wanna do it?
[laughs] Tempting, but no.
Besides, by then, I will have
sold my cottage
and be on my way.
Ah, yes, the very common
two-week escrow.
Well, as often as I have seen
that happen,
I have a feeling you will still
be here for a swim.
-Hopefully not.
-[laughs]
I'll try not to take offense.
Here, watch yourself.
[music continues]
So do your siblings come down
for Christmas?
Ah, sometimes yes, sometimes no.
This year, yes.
So ma's very happy.
So it's just you and your mom
and no partner?
Is this your subtle way of
trying to pry into my life?
In Ireland, we just call it
making conversation.
Ah, touch.
No, no girlfriend, just me.
Believe it or not,
dating is hard
in a small town of 900 people
where most of them are retired
or are your cousins. [chuckles]
How about you?
Does the lone wolf
have a secret pack?
-Just Lamb Chop.
-Oh.
-Good for Lamb Chop.
-[laughs]
[music continues]
Oh, Rose. Oh,
I hoped I'd see you.
How was your day?
Oh, great. Marvelous, really.
But if you're in the mood,
there's a big Christmas party
downtown tonight.
By downtown, do you mean
across the street?
Oh, yes. [chuckles]
The Emerald Ember is-is
hosting an Irish tradition,
the 12 Days of Christmas.
Now, usually, it's a pub crawl,
but because Dunclare
only has one pub,
the whole shebang is there.
Want to check it out?
Oh, God, I have so much
work to do tonight.
But when I'm in Ireland,
I guess I should have at least
one Guinness, right?
-Hey, Caitlin.
-Hey.
You wanna join us tonight?
Girls' night on the town.
Sure, why not? [chuckles]
[music over stereo]
[clapping in rhythm]
Ooh, look at, look at
all these cute Irish men.
Whoo-hoo!
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
You two are festive.
It's kind of an inside joke.
Sean's way of saying,
see you soon.
Whether she likes it or not.
Caitlin, good to see you.
I went by the house today.
It's looking great.
I love it.
-Ah, Sean's your agent, too.
-And my preservationist.
So this is all your first
12 pubs for Christmas, right?
Okay, if so, come on.
Down at Dunclare, we do it
a little different, okay?
Instead of 12 pubs,
we do 12 Christmas drinks.
That's a lot of liquid.
Ah, let's see, luckily for you,
throw a miniature.
See? The Irish are nothing if
not known for their moderation.
There you go.
Slinte.
[all]
Slinte.
[music continues]
Okay, so earlier today when you
said tonight and then stopped,
is this what you didn't
invite me to?
I figured I'd see
you here anyway.
But what if you didn't?
You would have just
let me miss this?
I would have looked
for you everywhere.
Found you somehow.
I would have just freed
Lamb Chop and followed her.
[laughing]
[chuckles] Uh, I'm gonna go
check on my friends.
[music continues]
Ladies. Are you having fun?
Oh, so much. Thank you
for coming out tonight.
You know, when I was married,
I never really spent time
with anyone
but Danny and the kids.
And now it's-it's hard
to make friends.
But you seem good at it.
Aw!
Hey! So, in
the next round of 12 pubs.
-And I brought some friends.
-[all laugh]
Okay, take one,
take one, take one.
-Slinte.
-[all]Slinte.
We know the way to go home
Boys won't leave
the girls alone
They pulled my hair
and stole my comb
But that's all right
till I go home
She is handsome,
she is pretty
She is belle
of Belfast city
She is a-courting,
one, two, three
Please won't you
tell me who is she
[breathing deeply]
[soft music]
The sun will be rising soon.
Seriously? It's that late?
[chuckles] I'm not gonna
be able to get any sleep.
I guess I should just head to
the cottage and start working.
I'll walk you home.
Safety first.
It's so beautiful.
I couldn't agree more.
I forgot to ask.
Who lived in the cottage
before me?
Oh, it was the Tobins.
Michael and Rose.
They lived there together
for almost 70 years.
They said if they could
have had one wish,
it would have been to have
children, but...
they'd already used their
fairy wish on...
having 70 years together
in the same home.
A lifetime.
And they wouldn't
change that for anything.
[soft music]
And at the end, they had no one
to leave the cottage to, so...
it just fell into disrepair.
Are these the fairy trees
they wished on?
Yeah.
So legend has it that any human
who protects a fairy tree
gets granted one wish.
But one wish only.
So...
-You ready?
-What?
-Make a wish.
-[chuckles] To make a wish?
Uh, no, I-I would feel
really dumb.
I'm sure it's not
the first time.
[Rose laughs]
No, go on. Make a wish.
Are you going to?
Can't. It's not my tree.
Okay.
[soft music]
Okay, I made my wish.
What did you wish for?
-To find my new home.
-Really?
Y-you have one wish for all time
and you wished for a new home?
-W-w-what did you wish for?
-I can't tell you that.
You can't say a wish out loud.
They teach you
nothing in America?
-Wha...
-[both laugh]
I should be at home.
You know what I'm going to say.
"Merry Christmas, Rose."
Merry Christmas, Sean.
[both chuckle]
Okay.
[music continues]
[sighs]
Come in.
[groans] Furniture delivery.
-Ah, Sean, my boy.
-Do you guys know each other?
What am I saying?
Of course, you know each other.
Everyone in Ireland
knows each other.
So, uh, where would you
like the table?
Right here, please.
Oh, it's beautiful.
[instrumental music]
[knocking on door]
Come in.
Wow!
I love what you've done
with the place, Rose Walsh.
You sure you still want to sell?
[inhales] It's cute,
but there is no water
or heating, so yeah.
I just hope someone wants
to buy it.
I brought you
some extra ornaments.
They'll look nice on the tree.
Huh. You still get nervous
before a viewing?
Hmm. I used to but not anymore.
Yeah. I still get butterflies.
Not nerves so much as
excitement, you know.
Someone new is gonna find
the home, start building a life.
Did you feel that way
when you bought your house?
Yeah, of course.
Not so sure how much
of a life I built, but...
Do you ever think about
trying something new?
Like leaving Dunclare?
No.
Oh. I know. I know.
"What about me ma?"
[chuckles] I never...
Well, I've never said that.
I pray I never do it, but...
-Um, your accent's really bad.
-What?
No, but...
No, I can't leave
when she's still here.
I wouldn't really leave Dunclare
when everyone's moving away.
As soon as I just look
outside, and I love it.
Nowhere else I'd wanna be.
Home is a priority for me.
[instrumental music]
Okay, so...
Well, there's no electricity.
Huh. Just watch.
What are you gonna plug
this into? [chuckles]
Go ahead.
[instrumental music]
[waves crashing]
It's a well-loved home,
owned by the same family
for over 60 years.
It has great 19th century bones.
Plus it's a steal,
I'm selling it for what I paid.
Why are you selling it?
I don't know. [chuckles]
Well, we're interested,
but need to discuss it.
-We'll be in touch.
-One more question.
Does the lamb that we saw
on the way in
come with the property?
[chuckles]
[instrumental music]
You know, I think
she really likes you.
-Yeah.
-[both chuckle]
Aha! There she is.
The fugitive returns.
-Thank you, Rosie.
-Uh, no problem.
I'm gonna go peruse,
I have a few gifts left to buy.
You're gonna go buy some
plum pudding, aren't you?
Maybe.
[instrumental music]
[girl chuckles]
Hm. Thank you.
-Sandy.
-[sighs]
Are you all right?
Oh, just... dandy. [chuckles]
Just perfect, really.
Sandy, I know we just met
but you can talk to me.
All right, I... I might
be having a tough day.
Uh, to be honest,
the real reason
I'm in Dunclare is, uh...
[clears throat] Danny wanted
his ashes spread here.
[soft music]
But I keep trying
and I-I can't do it.
[chuckles]
What if I can't give him
what he wanted?
Uh, I don't know.
And I don't have
the words, so...
-if it's okay...
-[chuckles]
[exhales]
Why don't you go back
to the inn and have a nice bath,
and snuggle by the fire?
-That sounds lovely.
-Oh!
-Here. Enjoy this.
-Oh. [chuckles softly]
Thank you.
[music continues]
-Oh!
-Rose! Aah!
Did you enjoy the pie?
And did you burn the candle
I gave you?
Uh, yes to the first,
no to the second.
I'm saving it for a true dark
night of the soul.
But don't worry,
I plan to have many.
[both chuckle]
Oh. Uh, are you free tonight?
I'm trying
to convince Sean to, uh,
come and watch
Christmas movies with me.
But, you know, I'm sure
Rose has plans.
No, I'm 100% free.
Besides, "What about me ma?"
Stop! Okay, no, stop, please.
Please.
[instrumental music]
See, I love having people
for supper.
But when the kids come around
with all the babies,
the dining room
just can't hold us all.
Well, you could
easily knock down the wall
between the dining room
and the kitchen.
Open it all up.
Put in a butterfly table.
-It sounds complicated.
-It's really not.
I can help you with it.
It's kind of where I'm a Viking.
Then thank you, Rose.
You're renovating
my ma's house now?
Are you going to
micro-manage that as well?
[phone rings]
There is, um, my friend Eileen.
She wants me to help her
with, uh, something.
And, uh, you two
will be fine on your own.
Uh-huh.
Well played, Mary.
Least subtle woman
on the planet.
Well, joke's on her
because I actually
wanted to watch
a Christmas movie.
Great. Me too.
So... [grunts]
Let's see what we got.
Huh. Seren-Christmasy?
Two strangers fall in love
on a train,
then they lose each other,
before realizing
they're also rivals at work.
That sounds great.
Uh, I was thinking
a Christmas movie
like Die Hard.
I don't really like romcoms.
Who doesn't like rom-coms?
-I wanna live in a rom-com.
-[laughing]
Said by the guy
who doesn't date.
I do date. I've dated.
I've-I have dated.
Oh, you want me
to spill the beans?
Mm-hmm.
[blowing raspberries]
I, well, um...
[clears throat]
we were sweethearts in school,
stayed together
in the university.
And then,
she wanted to move away
and I wanted to move home.
You know, I mean, look, it all
worked out for the best.
She's got a really
beautiful family now.
You obviously want that,
so... why not?
And don't feed me
your line about
there not being anyone to date.
You're Dunclare's
most eligible bachelor.
[scoffs] I don't think
that's as...
big of an accolade
as you think it is. [chuckles]
Are you scared?
Scared of what?
I don't know. You tell me.
You're the one who always
is going on about legacy?
And legacy is something
that outlasts you.
And what lasts longer than love?
[soft music]
Heartbreak.
[sighs]
[exhales]
Well, I was promised Die Hard.
Seren-Christmasyit is.
[fire crackling]
[music continues]
[exhales]
[sighs]
[paper rustling]
[sighs]
[quirky music]
[door closes]
Please tell your mom
I'm so sorry
for falling asleep on the couch.
I told you we should've
watched Die Hard.
Nah! She likes the company.
Don't worry about it.
I do too.
Can I accompany you
in your morning commute?
-I'd like that.
-[horse snorting]
Oh, one second.
[clicks tongue]
Tearing oak?
[both chuckle]
-Wanna pat her?
-Yeah.
Hello! [chuckles]
-Is that a friend of yours?
-Nah, never met her before.
[soft music]
-Oh, there's Cairn's Beach?
-Mm-hmm.
Now will you show it to me?
Come on.
So this is where they do
the Christmas Day swim?
Yeah.
Still hoping you won't
be here for it?
Even if I was, I wouldn't do it.
-Why not?
-'Cause I hate cold water.
No, it's just a moment of pain
for lifetime of memories
you'll cherish forever.
Not gonna happen.
Let's do it, right now.
-What?
-Swim with me.
-Seriously?
-Come on, Rose.
You wanna take
the plunge with me?
[chuckles]
-[cell phone vibrating]
-One second.
[music continues]
What?
Looks like we're getting
an offer on the cottage.
We got an offer?
Conor and Megan said, uh,
offer is incoming contingent
on, uh, doing
an inspection today, so...
So maybe I won't be here
for Christmas after all.
It's like all your
Christmas wishes come true.
Hm.
[music continues]
[Sean exhales]
Oh, Christmas tree
Oh, Christmas tree
How lovely
are your branches
[humming]
-Hello, Rose. [chuckles]
-Huh, hi.
You have such a pretty voice.
[Sandy chuckles]
Who are these gifts for?
Family back home.
I'm hoping everything
arrives in time.
And Michigan is home?
You don't have to answer
if you don't want to.
[sighs]
No, it's fine, um...
I'm sick of this whole charade.
Have you heard of Caity Evans?
-The pop star?
-Oh! You're Caity Evans!
Gosh, you look
totally different.
I cut off all my hair.
[chuckles]
Wait, so what are you
doing in Dunclare?
Hiding.
I loved singing
but hated fame,
I stopped feeling like myself.
And I have always wanted
to restore an old house,
and my family is originally
Irish, so I came here.
So you just upped
and disappeared?
I guess so.
Well, Caity Evans is a legend.
But I prefer Caitlin.
-[chuckles]
-Hmm.
All right, ladies, I have
to head to the cottage.
But we'll see you later
for the Mistletoe Harvest?
Absolutely. Wouldn't miss it.
With Sean in tow?
-Bye, ladies.
-[both laugh]
[instrumental music]
This is an old
Dunclare tradition.
My dad used to spearhead it,
now I do.
Huh, anything for legacy.
Oh, okay, it's not
just for legacy.
Now, look, the tourists,
they love it.
They come in their droves,
take a million photos.
We've even had, uh,
several proposals.
I can see why.
Although, it seems like you
are roping unsuspecting tourists
into doing forestry.
Oh, there's the romantic I love.
[sniffles] So this is
all mistletoe, you see.
-How do you get it down?
-I'll show you.
[soft music]
[ladder clanging]
So what do I do?
You just reach around
the bough. I got you.
And you try and take off
the whole thing intact.
The mistletoe actually has
its roots in Celtic mythology.
Celts believed it was sacred
and had healing powers.
Ah, is this where a kiss under
the mistletoe comes from?
Oh, you're trying to say that
a kiss has healing powers?
[music continues]
No, I'm saying that...
the Celts were lonely and, um...
looking for winter fun.
[sighs]
[chuckles]
So, what do I do with this?
Well, you go make a wreath.
I'm gonna go do the rounds.
-Town mayor, you know?
-Are you really?
Maybe I am.
[music continues]
[Sandy] So I see the Emerald
Ember
is offering
a Christmas Eve dinner.
Would you like to have supper?
[gasping]
-Yeah, that sounds great.
-Definitely.
If I'm still in town.
[Matthew]
Another fine harvest, huh?
[inhales deeply]
Is it me, or...
are there a few
sparks in the air?
[laughing]
You're just so intent on trying
to match me, ain't you?
[chuckles]
Sean, I have known you
since you were born.
I watched you walk
your first steps,
drink your first pint.
Suffer your first heartbreak.
So no, I'm not intent
on matchmaking.
I'm intent on seeing you happy.
Okay, come on, let's go say hi.
[indistinct chatter]
[instrumental music]
-Hey.
-Hi.
Oh, Matthew, this is Sandy,
Declan Kelly's widow.
[Matthew] Danny Kelly, huh?
Come here till I tell you,
I have a few stories about him.
We walked to school together
every day, you know that?
Yeah, every single day.
So what'd you
do last Christmas?
Uh-mm...
-Oh, I was in Chicago.
-Hm.
Made two friends
off a guy I was dating.
What happened to him?
Hm, hopefully nothing.
No, I mean,
what happened to him and you?
[inhales deeply]
Nothing remarkable.
I left town and he, uh,
went on his way.
Relationships are all about
finding someone
who wants
the same things as you.
What do you want?
To be able to pick up
and go wherever I want.
Um...
freedom...
to not have to
answer it anyone.
Isn't that the whole point
of a relationship?
Having to have something
to answer to,
hopefully in a good way.
[soft music]
My mom and dad got married,
and then my mom had me
and she just gave up
everything she wanted.
And you know,
maybe my mom and dad
didn't have time
or money to travel.
Or maybe they didn't
wanna travel together.
But maybe the hard truth is that
my mom stayed because of me.
Hm.
I don't want that.
I don't wanna feel trapped.
[music continues]
How do you know
she felt trapped?
You know, you're sure
that couldn't just be
your own guilt
the way you think
your mom gave up for you?
Because I... I'm certain...
that whatever she gave up is...
nothing compared
to what she gained with you.
[inhales deeply] Anyway, um,
really should've just led
with this, but, uh...
Conor and Megan came in with an
official offer. [chuckles]
Oh, wow.
Yeah, looks like you got
your wish after all.
-Yeah, on to the new home.
-Yeah.
I kind of thought
you'd be more excited.
[music continues]
[chuckles]
Yeah, me too.
[bike engine whirring]
Well, thank you
for meeting with me.
I just wanted to have
a forthright conversation
about the cottage.
-Are you planning to flip it?
-Yes.
But full disclosure,
first we're going to gut it,
then we're going to make it
into a luxury property.
[chuckles]
Well, then you should know
that it's
a historical designation.
You'll have to work
with a preservationist
and there's a lot of red tape.
We appreciate the concern,
but we've done a lot of these,
we know how the system works.
Well,
Sean is a preservationist
and he will be against
a renovation.
Definitely anything luxury.
Rose, you don't need
to make excuses.
If you don't want
to sell, then don't sell.
[soft music]
Sean. They're gonna flip it.
No, first they're gonna gut it,
then they're gonna flip it.
So they flip it.
Seriously?
What about your whole spiel
on protecting legacy?
No, legacy is as constant
as change.
So you fought me, but you're
not gonna fight them?
How much more do you
want me to fight, Rose?
Okay, I'm not endless.
I'm sorry.
I'll have the paperwork
over for you tomorrow to sign.
[sighs]
[instrumental music]
Yeah, I'm just
completely confused.
Sean said he wouldn't
allow a flip.
[Maura]
And then you exhausted him.
[sighs]
Thanks.
I can always count
on you for support.
What do you want me to say?
You wanted to buy the cottage
and he sold it to you.
[Maura]
Then you wanted to sell it
and he found someone to buy it.
He is constantly
jumping through hoops
to make you happy.
And I don't think it's because
he's the real estate agent
of the year.
So sign the papers and leave.
Or else... stay and marry him.
[soft music]
And then we could even
add a window here
and do a built-in
nook around it.
And then the kitchen,
just update the cabinets,
new hardware,
upgrade the lighting.
Easy peasy.
[gasps]
That all sounds lovely.
And I'm game.
But now, uh, on to you.
I hear you have a buyer
for the cottage.
Yeah, we do.
So I guess
I'll be leaving soon.
I'm thinking Scotland next.
Come on, Rosie.
What's the point
of always starting over?
Well, I'm not
always starting over.
I bring my adventures
and my friends with me.
Yeah, I respect that.
There's an old Irish proverb,
"we must adventure in order
to know where we truly belong."
But at some point,
we must belong.
Forgive me for meddling,
it sounds like
you could good use...
some mothering. [chuckles]
[soft music]
Just be honest with me.
Why do you not want
to have a home?
I guess that...
when my mother died...
any sense of home
went with her.
And...
I don't know if I'll
ever feel that way again.
Um , my dad and I aren't close,
we never got each other, and...
[breathes deeply]
[music continues]
I guess I just feel...
alone in the world.
And that's okay, because...
I'm good at being alone.
[exhaling deeply]
You will always
have a home here.
And... those
are not empty words.
And you'll be joining us
for Christmas dinner.
That wasn't a question.
I don't know
if I'll still be here,
but if I am, I told
my friends from the inn
that I'd have dinner with them.
Well, bring them.
[chuckles]
All family, welcome.
[music continues]
[Sandy]
It was harder than I thought.
I woke feeling strong,
thinking today was the day
I was going
to spread his ashes.
But then I got to
the ocean, and I...
couldn't do it.
Would it help if
we came with you?
I'm so appreciative.
But um...
let me give it some thought.
[chuckles]
[instrumental music]
I am so sorry I have got to run,
but I will see you both soon.
Sean!
-Hey.
-I emailed over the paperwork.
I saw, thanks.
I'm still going over
the fine print.
[chuckles]
Um, just a...
a small thank you,
some food and stuff.
Oh wow, that's...
that's a lot of food and stuff.
Ah...
Do you wanna maybe, uh,
have a picnic?
[laughing]
All right, let's-let's
see what we got here.
We got high back orchard syrup,
Irish balsamic vinegar,
brown bread crackers,
Irish smoked salmon.
This is great, because
I can't get any of this here.
Okay. Well, what would have
been a better gift?
I don't know,
something American maybe?
Like a pickup truck?
Apple pie? Some individualism?
[chuckles]
Actually, no, you've gifted me
with enough individualism.
Ew!
[soft music]
I'm just gonna
miss that Irish humor.
And the Irish Christmas.
Well, an Irish Christmas
is just where
you leave it at saying goodbye.
[chuckles]
All right, I know
you're gonna miss
everything from over here.
Hm.
Especially me.
[chuckles]
I suspect that might be true.
Yeah?
Sorry.
[instrumental music]
Haven't signed the paperwork?
I'm still going over
that fine print.
Rose, if you don't
want to sell, you...
[laughs]
I don't know what I want.
[indistinct chatter]
So "me ma..."
I use "me ma" for effect.
She says you're gonna
come to Christmas dinner.
Yes, with some friends
at your mom's insistence,
-I hope that's okay.
-No, absolutely, yeah.
You're in Ireland. In Ireland,
Christmas, we roll deep.
[giggles]
It'd be nice, to have you.
[instrumental music]
-I'll see you later.
-Yeah.
[music continues]
I can't do it,
I'm not ready.
It's okay.
I just want him here
a little longer.
I'm sorry.
You don't have to be sorry.
Maybe you're not ready.
Or maybe this isn't
how you're meant to do it.
Hm.
Would you mind
if I sang something?
Mind? [chuckles]
I'd be honored.
Oh, Danny Boy
The pipes, the pipes
Are calling
From glen to glen
And down the mountainside
The summer's gone
And all the roses falling
It's you, it's you
Must go, and I must bide
[instrumental music]
[door opens]
[all] Merry Christmas!
You must be Rose.
I'm Sean's sister, Emily.
I've heard so much about you.
Well, knowing your mom,
I'm sure you have. [chuckles]
Oh, come on in, come on in.
[soft music]
[door shuts]
Everyone, meet Rose.
-Hello
-[woman 1] Hello.
[chuckles nervously]
-And I'm Sandy.
-Caitlin.
Oh, my goodness,
I nearly missed you.
Enjoy. Come on, take your cubs.
-Nollaig shona duit.
-You quit your day job.
[chuckles]
I read that
this is an Irish tradition?
-The Celts brought it over?
-Oh, yeah, well...
The Celts invented
Christmas crackers.
[both laugh]
So, here you got
a-a gift, a joke.
Wanna do it?
[chuckles]
I, uh, I'm on cabbage
and corned beef duty, so...
We're having cabbage and corn...
[festive music over stereo]
Oh.
-Thank you again for having us.
-No thank yous.
You're family now.
-[doorbell rings]
-Oh.
Excuse me, dear.
[all chuckle softly]
I am loving being here, but...
it is making me feel
a little bit homesick.
[chuckles nervously]
You could always go back home.
Be with your family.
Then I'd feel like I'd,
I'd failed Danny.
The only failure is believing
there's only
one way to do things.
You do you.
And if Danny has a problem
we'll deal with him.
[all chuckle]
[soft music]
Oh, here,
let me help you with those.
[sighs] Actually, you know what
you could really help me with?
Letting me know if you're gonna
sign that paperwork or not.
You know, Conor and Megan
are pushing really hard so...
And I'm kind of,
emotionally invested here too,
so I'd really like to know.
[chuckles softly]
Right.
You know, you don't have to
sell if you don't want to.
Hm? I can be more amenable
to a remodel.
Or you could sell and just buy
a another property
in Dunclare, you know.
One without
historical designation.
[both chuckle]
I...
I made an offer on
a property in Scotland and...
it was accepted.
Oh.
[clears throat]
So, you're going to Scotland?
Maybe.
I know that
this sounds crazy but...
I was thinking
you could come with me.
[soft music]
Or visit?
There's an old Irish proverb
that says
one must take adventures
in order to know
where they truly belong.
Hey, I'm the one with
the proverbs. [chuckles]
What would I do in Scotland?
The same thing
you're doing here.
But aren't you gonna
do the same thing over there
that you're doing here?
[chuckles]
You cannot just do it here?
I see, I see.
[music continues]
Then you'd feel trapped.
Yeah.
Rose, I, um...
What? No, just say it.
[inhales]
I just don't invest in someone
who's scared to get close.
But isn't that what we both
saw in each other?
[somber music]
Um, this just got
painfully awkward. Uh...
I think that I should,
I should go.
No, no, no, hey.
-It's Christmas Eve.
-I think it's for the best.
I'll sign the paperwork.
Okay.
[music continues]
[instrumental music]
[phone thuds]
[music continues]
-Rose, merry Christmas.
-Oh!
-Merry Christmas.
-Are you all right?
[Caitlin]
You just ran off last night.
I'm sorry.
Who is this beauty? Oh.
-She looks like you.
-This is my mother.
-W-when she was in Dunclare.
-[Sandy] Aw.
How special.
Where in town
was the photo taken?
I don't actually know.
[Caitlin] Well, there's
something hanging from the tree.
Hm, what is it?
[soft music]
[Rose]
Wait a minute.
-It's a fairy tree.
-What?
All my life my mom
use to told me
that Ireland is where
wishes come true.
[exhales]
Now I understand what she meant.
Oh...
Well, I...
got you both a little
Christmas gift.
Aw, you're so sweet.
Friendship bracelets?
[chuckles]
And I got one for me too.
Mistletoe.
You're so sweet.
Oh!
-[gasps]
-Who's that?
[Rose] You know them?
Yes, it's my kids, Josh and Liv.
I asked them to come...
to help me spread daddy's ashes.
You were right. There is
a way I want to do this.
And what about you?
Are you gonna sell the cottage,
move to Scotland?
I don't know.
I don't think
I know anything anymore.
You know,
all these years that...
I was alone and I thought
that was freedom, but...
but maybe I was trapping myself.
And this is freedom.
[instrumental music]
Now...
-Oh, thanks, Mary.
-Enjoy.
Oh...
Ah, love.
So...
what happened
with Rose last night?
Uh, she told me
she's moving to Scotland,
and she invited me
to go with her.
-Ah! Why?
-And I said no.
For all the obvious
reasons, like, uh,
'cause we've only known
each other three weeks.
Because we spent one
of those weeks fighting.
Because she doesn't live here
and because she doesn't
wanna live here.
And because you're terrified
of having
your heart broken again?
[soft music]
Maybe because of that, too.
Sean, love.
Maybe this is a bad idea.
Maybe hearts will get broken.
We must try.
We must adventure
in order to know
where we truly belong.
So she got that line from you?
I was trying to help her.
[inhales] Look...
Enough preserving the past.
Time to build a future.
[music continues]
-Let's get to the swim.
-Oh.
-Yeah, let's do it.
-You don't want to miss it.
[phone chimes]
[phone beeps]
[instrumental music]
You sure you don't want
to take the plunge this year?
[chuckles softly]
Not by myself.
-Not by myself.
-Ah!
Ah!
[lively music]
Rose!
Rose.
Rose!
Rose!
[door opens]
[door opens]
Okay, Lamb Chop. Hey,
gotta go find Rose, okay?
I know, this is your moment.
Go. Go. Go find Rose. Go!
Yeah, come on. Where's Rose?
[bleats]
Come on, Lamb Chop.
You can do it.
Find Rose.
[music continues]
[waves crashing]
[bell rings]
[bleats]
No, you got this wrong, buddy.
She's not here.
You got it wrong.
[knocking on window]
Rose!
Hey, I, uh...
I came by earlier,
but you weren't here.
I went to my mom's fairy tree.
To make another wish?
No, I didn't need
to make a new wish.
I wished to find a new home
and I found it.
Scotland?
No.
Dunclare?
No.
In you.
[soft music]
I think...
that you could be
the place that
I want to return to
over and over again.
You could be my home
and my adventurer
all rolled into one.
And I won't sell the cottage.
I'll restore it,
if it won't be too difficult.
Well, I can't
make any promises.
Look, you don't
have to stay here
if you don't want to.
I'd go anywhere with you.
[soft music]
You know,
I kind of love an adventure.
And I love a home.
Do you want to see
if those two loaves overlap?
[exhales]
Let's go take the plunge.
You know, I made a wish, too.
-But you won't tell me.
-I don't have to tell you.
You know, I realized that your
quote about Ireland
applies to you, too.
How do you mean?
Well, when I'm with you,
the inevitable never happens.
And the unexpected
constantly occurs.
Sometimes the inevitable
does happen.
[instrumental music]
[chuckling]
[music continues]
[instrumental music]
By the fire glow we can watch
the snow all night
Under mistletoe
you can hold me close inside
There's magic in the air
Sleigh bells ringing
everywhere
It feels like all my wishes
come true
I've got the holidays
with you
Twinkle lights
and hills of green
Sparkle like
a tinseltree
-Knock, knock.
-What do you think?
I think I am still in awe with
what you did with this place.
Are you sure you don't
wanna keep this one?
-Nah, you know me.
-Yeah, flip it and quit it.
The Christmas edition.
Way to make an insult
sound festive.
-Well...
-[doorbell rings]
Let the open house begin.
Imagine stockings hanging over
this refinished mantle.
Mistletoe dangling from
this crown molding.
Oh, and here's the artist behind
the renovation, Rose Walsh.
Rose has renovated several
of the houses in the area.
So, uh, any questions
about the house?
Just one.
Can we be in it by Christmas?
[man chuckles]
[instrumental music]
So, I figured I would finish off
doing the Christmas cards
while you look
for your next house.
So, where are we eyeing?
I don't know.
-Well, what sounds good?
-Top of my list?
-Ireland.
-Wha...
When my mom graduated college,
she went on this backpacking
trip all over Europe
and she said that Ireland is
where wishes come true.
Actually, I have a photo of her
when she was there.
Ah, yes.
Rose's one box of stuff.
Easy to stay on the road,
gathers no moss.
Hey, I have
an entire storage unit
full of stuff gathering moss,
thank you very much.
[chuckles]
Ooh, lots of fixer-uppers.
Good bones. It got character.
Wait, look at this article.
Buy a home in Ireland,
10,000 euros.
No, I know those programs.
[scoffs]
They're aimed at house flippers
to come and renovate homes
to help get small-town
populations back up.
It's a catch.
The renovations can be
extremely expensive
or the bids will start
really low
and then they
get really high.
Hey, look at this listing.
Rosalie's Cottage, 15,000 euro.
Wow, I can't believe
that's so underpriced.
It's gorgeous.
Wait a minute. Did it just sell?
-Call the agent.
-No...[chuckles]
I'm not gonna just buy a house
in Ireland even at that price.
-Okay, then I'll call.
-Wait, okay.
Okay, okay, I will call.
Let see...
[soft music]
[phone vibrating]
-[Sean] Hello?
-Hi!
I'm calling about
Rosalie's Cottage.
Oh, hey. Uh, I'm Sean.
How are you?
I'm fine, thank you.
And how are you?
You know, I can't complain,
although I'd like to. [chuckles]
-So what's your name?
-Rose, as in Rosalie's Cottage.
Well, Rose, like
Rosalie's Cottage,
ordinarily, this would bode
well for you, but unfortunately
I thinkthe cottage may have
already found a buyer.
Someone put it on hold
for the asking price.
You lay away houses in Ireland?
Well, no, we try to be
considerate.
Is that not a priority
where you're from?
And what if I wanted to
buy the house?
Then you'd put in
a backup offer.
Well, lucky for you,
I don't wanna buy it.
Dunclare, Ireland!
Your mom was there!
It's a sign!
Actually, I do wanna buy
the house.
Okay, well, as I said,
you wire over deposit
-and you'll be the backup.
-I don't wanna be backup.
-I wanna be first.
-Rose, you get the appeal? I do.
Okay? But I do a lot
of these listings.
A lot of buyers have no idea
what they're getting
themselves in for,
so just take a piece,
read the fine print.
[chuckles] Way to make
assumptions,
but I know what I'm doing.
I want the cottage.
I'll offer you 20,000 euros.
The offer's incoming.
Check your email.
I guess consideration is
not a priority where she's from.
What, am I crazy?
Uh, maybe you know exactly
what you're doing!
Your mom said Ireland was
the most magical place
she has ever been.
Come on, Rose.
You could use a little magic
in your life.
-[laughs]
-Look how happy she was.
I guess I'm going to Ireland.
[uplifting music]
I'm Dunclare's unofficial
tourist greeter.
Can I, uh, help you
with your bags?
See, in the States,
this is where
you would steal my luggage.
You see, in Ireland, this
is where I would
tell you you a 60-minute story
about the history of love.
So the tropes are true.
Oh, yeah, in Ireland,
we're all just whiskey,
river dance and leprechauns.
You must be sick of
the stereotypes.
Absolutely.
Once I get over this Irish flu,
I'm gonna set them straight.
So, um, what brings you to town?
I just bought one of
the cottages nearby,
so I thought I'd pop
in for some lunch
before heading over.
What about you?
What brings you to town?
The Celts.
My family have been here
since the Celts arrived.
Oh.
Good thing a joke is funnier
when you have to explain it.
Yeah.
-So what's it like living here?
-You know, small town.
People love to gossip,
but not a lot to gossip about.
Thankfully, we've got
a support group
for our town's busy bodies.
-You do?
-Yeah.
They, uh, meet
over there in the pub.
[laughs]
So can I, um, give you a lift
to your cottage
after your lunch?
Are you asking me to get in
the car with a stranger?
You're in Dunclare now.
There's no such thing
as a stranger here.
Hmm, well, be that as it may,
thank you, but
I'll get my own ride.
As you wish.
Oh, and if I don't
see you again,
Merry Christmas.
-No need.
-What does that mean?
It just means I have a bet
that I'll see you again
before Christmas.
[soft music]
[car door creaks]
[engine starts]
Hey, you must be Sean. I'm Rose.
[Sean] Hello again, Rose.
[chuckling] Of course.
When you met me in town today,
you knew, didn't you?
I did after you left.
We have this magical thing
in Ireland.
Oh, what's the Gaelic word?
Search engine.
I Googled you, Rose Walsh.
Well, I Googled you too.
But there are a thousand
Sean O'Laughlins in Ireland.
-Well, I-I do have many cousins.
-[both chuckle]
Well, welcome to your new house.
May your home always be too
small to hold all your friends.
Well, sweet, but
I won't have many friends.
I'm just here to flip the house.
Excuse me. You're-you're what?
Oh, what's the old Gaelic word
for house flipping?
Exploiting local real estate.
Is that not what
underpricing property
to attract buyers is called?
You did read
the fine print, right?
Because it says that
this property has to be
your primary residence.
And you, you signed off on that.
It will be. While I renovate,
I will live here.
I don't have another residence,
so this will be my primary.
Why do you look so offended?
Because I think
that house flipping
is the worst thing that can
happen to a housing market.
Get out-of-towners coming in,
buying affordable homes,
and doing these
overpriced refurbs
so they can make a quick quid,
and then they leave.
You bait and sell property,
which means you have
to expect that people
are gonna take the bait,
buy it, and flip.
No, because flipping
doesn't make any sense
with all the laws
around what can be done
to an historical property.
Did you not read
the many restrictions?
I did read it, so I have to work
with a historical
preservationist.
That's fine.
I have done it before.
Look, with,
with all due respect,
and I truly do mean
that, this is my house.
I've signed the paperwork.
[smacks lips] Okay then, Rosie.
Time to give you a tour.
[jovial music]
Look, that's you.
You bought it.
[door rattles]
-Well...
-[Rose coughs]
We've got a natural light
it brings, anyway.
[quirky music]
[sighs]
Ah.
Got character.
[bird wings flapping]
Floor damage, water damage,
wood damage, roof damage.
It's basically all damaged.
I mean, catfished.
House fished.
The listing did not look
like this online.
Yeah, no, so pictures were taken
when it's furnished.
Old real estate trick, you know.
Maybe the photos were
a few years old, but...
A few? Did your relatives,
the Celts take them?
[chuckles] Nice callback
and a joke you didn't get.
You're a fast learner, I see.
What do you got to
complain about?
Look, you got a great deal.
Only cost you 20 grand.
The land alone is worth
it's worth at least 60.
I mean, renovations are gonna
set you back a bit, but...
So, uh, it's gonna
get dark soon.
Would you like
a lift into town, or...
You can order a taxi again.
I was gonna stay here, so...
-Right.
-Mm-hmm.
I guess you don't need
a bed, so...
or electricity.
Or, um, running water.
You are gonna struggle
without the heating, though.
Because, um, there's no heat.
And the chimney's cracked
at the bottom.
That was disclosed, and you read
all the fine print. Right?
There is an inn in Dunclare.
It's Dunclare's only inn,
but I know there's a vacancy
if you don't mind getting
a lift off a stranger.
Anyway, I'll show you
around outside.
Great views.
[jovial music]
[engine whirring]
[car door closes]
[Sean] Looks like they got
the Christmas lights up.
Mmm. It's pretty.
You must be knackered.
If that means tired, then yes.
Well, don't have
any of the black stuff,
but there's
a chipper next door.
You should give that a lash.
What does that mean?
I was saying,
get some rest, Rose.
Some things are
out of our control.
Yes, some things are
out of our control.
And other things some people
make out of our control.
[laughs] Don't blame me.
I told you
not to buy the cottage.
[chuckles]
[instrumental music]
-Thank you.
-Anytime.
I am Dunclare's
unofficial tourist greeter,
but you're not
a tourist anymore.
You're a local, aren't you?
Goodnight.
Sorry, I'll be right with you.
Feel free to grab some
mulled wine and a seat.
-Can I leave this here?
-Oh, yeah, of course.
Absolutely.
[indistinct chatter]
[music continues]
[sighs]
-Want to dress the tree?
-Oh, no thanks. [chuckles]
-Do you work here?
-[chuckles] Oh, no.
No, I just offered to
help the inn.
But it's selfish of me, really.
You know, I'm trying to feel
like Christmas at home.
[both chuckling]
[sighs]
You all right, love?
You look daunted.
Here, have some apple cider.
[chuckles]
-Thank you.
-Mmm. [chuckles]
So, what brought you to town?
-Poor decision-making.
-Oh, let me guess.
You bought one of the cottages.
-Are there more of us?
-Mmm...
More than you'd think.
You can spot them
by their looks of dismay.
[chuckling]
-Did you buy one of them?
-Oh, no. [laughs]
No, I'm,
I'm here for my husband.
He was born and raised
in Dunclare.
Must be nice for him to be home.
Oh, in spirit only.
He passed last January.
-It's been almost a year.
-I'm so sorry.
[laughs] Oh, let's focus
on happier things.
Oh, there's Kate, then.
She also bought one of
those fixer-uppers.
I'm trying to ask her about it,
but she's a bit of a mystery.
Caitlin, come and join us.
-Caitlin, this is...
-Rose.
Rose also bought
one of the houses. Hmm.
We are comrades in
commiseration. [laughs]
Who's commiserating?
I'm loving the renovations.
Great. When will yours be done?
Things move slow here, so maybe
give or take 18 months.
18 months?
I can help you now.
O-o-okay.
Okay, so there's
the Easter lily room available
with two queen beds,
or Rosemary's room
with one king?
Seriously, does everything
there have the name Rose in it?
[laughs] I know.
The rose is a little-known
symbol of Ireland.
Important information
for a past me.
I'll take Rosemary's
room, please.
Great. And how many nights
will you be here with us?
Just until I can get
the heat on in my cottage.
-Oh, which cottage?
-Rosalie's by the sea.
Oh.
Um, so here is an
Irish advent calendar,
a little gift from us so you
can mark your stay here.
Though I think you'll need a
slightly longer calendar for...
Um, so the rooms are
just through here.
-And here is your key.
-Oh, thanks.
[instrumental music]
[Lamb Chop bleats]
Oh, hello. What's your name?
You're not much of a talker,
are ya?
Welcome to Ireland.
[Lamb Chop bleats]
[music continues]
You're back.
Well, we've got a few things
to discuss, you know.
Dunclare quirks.
Quirks like that little lamb
that followed me for almost
a mile back there?
Oh, does she have a bell
on her collar?
-Uh-huh.
-That's just Lamb Chop.
She wanders off in the Christmas
market from time to time.
I saw that.
Yeah, right on the edge of town.
It's almost
a centuries-old tradition.
I spearhead it.
Keep it going year to year.
Of course you do.
You're also the town mayor
and the fire marshal.
Oh, and did you devise this
whole real estate scam?
It's not a scam, and I was
staunchly against it.
Dunclare is just fine
the way it is.
I did warn you not to buy.
Oh, I'll never
forget that, Sean.
All right, so all renovations
have to be approved by
a historical preservationist
that was deeded to the cottage.
-Yeah.
-Where do I find them?
[quirky music]
You're the preservationist.
I told you, I'm not just
a real estate agent.
I also preserve
the local legacy.
It's hard to say if this is
inevitable or unexpected.
You know, in Irish, there's
a proverb that says,
"In Ireland, the inevitable
never happens,
and the unexpected
constantly occurs."
-What about the catastrophic?
-[chuckles]
What's the Irish
proverb for that?
Hmm.
[Rose sighs]
What if I deed the cottage
back to the town?
Well, that sounds like
a colorful euphemism
for abandoning it.
It was already abandoned.
No, no. Loved, but untended.
Fine, sign me up for that.
"Loved, but untended"
from a distance.
Okay, well, you'd
still have to pay
annual property taxes,
county ordinance taxes,
maintenance fees, plus
a disrepair fines, et al.
-Et al? There's more?
-Yeah.
I have complete faith, though,
we can find a way
to work together.
I'm always trying my best
to be considerate.
-Priority, where I'm from.
-[scoffs]
And I completely understand
the situation here.
-The situation?
-Yeah.
This is your home now.
You signed the paperwork.
[music continues]
And, uh, since we'll be seeing
so much of each other,
it doesn't need to be said,
but Merry Christmas.
[instrumental music]
[sighs]
[tapping]
[sighs]
[clangs]
[music continues]
[sighs]
Hiya. What can I get for you?
Could I please have a slice of
soda bread and medium latte?
Oh, Rose!
[chuckling]
You join your friend, and
I'll bring the food down to you.
Okay, thanks. Merry Christmas.
It's fun travelling alone,
isn't it?
Getting to do whatever
you want to do,
whenever you want to do it.
Like eating cookies for lunch?
-Exactly.
-[both laugh]
Sorry, this is actually the
first time I've travelled alone.
I always travelled
with my husband.
[chuckles]
A-and what was his name?
Well, we called him Danny,
but his given name was Declan.
Oh, I love that name.
It means full of goodness.
-And he really was.
-[Rose chuckles]
Just good-hearted.
Always smiling.
[soft music over stereo]
My children get that from him.
Why aren't they here
with you now?
Oh, they're in London
with their families.
They've grieved enough.
Their holiday should be happy.
[chuckles softly]
But I'm fine here alone.
Well, for what it's worth,
I have travelled a lot alone
and... it can be scary at first,
but it's actually
quite liberating.
When you get to a new place,
you get to pretend to be
someone completely new.
But I...
I quite like who I am.
[soft music]
So why would I want to be
someone else?
Besides, don't you get lonely?
I'm used to being alone.
[chuckles]
Mmm. Oh, sorry.
I knew you need to work.
[chuckles]
So, tell me all about Danny.
You again? Hello.
[indistinct chatter]
[festive music over stereo]
[bleats]
There you are,
you little rascal.
Come on, in you get.
Good, good, good.
[chuckles] Thank you so much
for bringing her back.
Uh, my name is Matthew,
by the way.
Rose.
Uh, I'm what you might call
the town carpenter.
Did you make all this?
[Matthew] Yeah, only
the pieces that you like.
[Rose laughs]
-And this is so sweet.
-Oh, thank you.
It's an old family tradition.
Lamb Chop's ancestors
have been coming here
nearly as long as mine.
-[chuckles]
-So, have a lovely day.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas to you.
[Sean] There's the American
I was telling you about.
-Yeah, she's quite pretty.
-She's quite frustrating.
We don't need people coming down
here flipping houses.
That's happening everywhere.
Look at Dingle.
And now, no one can buy a house,
and there's
no small businesses anymore.
Yeah, maybe.
But she's here, alone,
for the holidays.
You can be nice.
I am nice.
[quirky music]
-Sometimes.
-Hm.
Never had plum pudding?
-I don't like plums.
-Well, there's no plums in it.
It's raisins, breadcrumbs,
brandy, beef suet.
Just all the normal things
you put in a cake.
-[both chuckle]
-Right.
It's like fruitcake.
Is that a good thing?
The jury's still out.
Nollaig shona duit.
And what does that mean?
It means Merry Christmas
in Irish.
Some no-noli shoman ditch?
[laughs] Yeah, don't
give up the day job.
So, why are you here working
over the holidays?
Is that your subtle way
of prying into my life?
No, I was just making
conversation.
But, yes.
I don't really do much
for the holidays.
And my dad remarried
a few years ago,
and he spends December
with his new wife
and her children in Florida.
December in Florida
sounds like the dream.
Not for me,
but I don't like the sun,
and I just prefer
a perpetual somber mist.
Ah, well, welcome home.
And where is home for you?
A little town in Maine.
Similar to Dunclare.
Plum pudding to fruitcake.
So, why'd you leave?
Why do you stay?
Well, for me,
this is where life is.
Everyone knows who I am.
Those are the same reasons
I left.
-How old were you?
I started flipping houses,
and I've been moving
around ever since.
Oh, I see, so, you just
move from place to place
flipping houses?
Is that judgment I'm reading?
No, just all these houses,
but no home.
You know what?
I made up my mind.
I think the plum pudding
is disgusting.
And yet, you almost finished it.
[smacks lips]
[soft music]
See you tomorrow at the cottage
for the renovation meeting.
[smacks lips]
[mellow music]
You should ask permission before
decorating some of those trees.
Ah, apologies.
But it's a tradition
to decorate the fairy trees
with ribbons at Christmas.
What are fairy trees?
Well, in Celtic mythology,
they're sacred.
See, the fairies live in them
as they protect the home.
So, how do fairies feel
about renovations?
They're okay with them,
when in reason.
A good segue into your plan.
Tell me. I'm listening.
And some of the floor tiles
need to be replaced,
so I was thinking of using tiles
featuring cute Celtic designs.
Of course, I have to repaint
the entire cottage,
so I was thinking about
using a brighter paint
to really open up the space.
Um... not getting much
from you. All right, huh.
Obviously, I need to
fix the beam,
so I was thinking about hanging
a really cute chandelier
from the center of it.
Just bear in mind that
historical designation dictates
that you cannot make
any structural changes.
-No, it doesn't.
-Uh, it does.
As per
the preservationist's ruling.
I am the preservationist.
So, no-no chandeliers
hanging on the beams,
and no designs on tiles,
and the paint color
really needs to be the same
as the original cottage.
A-are you gonna stand in my way
on every single decision?
No, no, of course not.
No, no, no.
I am just trying to help you
preserve the legacy
of a beloved Irish cottage.
[instrumental music]
Oh, and, uh, it goes without
saying, but...
Merry Christmas, Rose.
Yeah, I know.
No. Irishyou
a Merry Christmas.
[quirky music]
This is a nightmare.
The cottage is a money pit,
and there is endless red tape
for even the most
basic renovations.
I am gonna spend a fortune
and be here a year minimum.
And would that be so bad?
This is you being supportive?
This is me reminding you
you found Rosalie's cottage
in the Irish village
your mother loved.
-So maybe this is the magic.
-It doesn't matter.
I have made up my mind
about the cottage.
[woman 1] All right, everyone,
one hour left to finish
the Wren Day decorations.
-I'll call you back, okay? Bye.
-What?
-Hey.
-Hi.
What are you guys making?
They're for Wren Day,
the day after Christmas.
People parade through the
streets wearing these costumes
and singing and giving food.
Is it kind of like caroling?
Like caroling, but with a twist.
-Oh.
-It's a pretty cool tradition.
But I've had trouble
understanding its origins.
Some say it started as a way to
drive the dark of winter away.
Oh, and here I thought
that's what cuddling in bed
and binge-watching TV was for.
[both laugh]
-Caitlin, right?
-Yeah.
-Rose? [chuckles]
-Yup.
Well, I'm gonna go grab lunch.
Me too, actually.
I'm gonna head to
the Emerald Ember.
-Is it good?
-Yeah, it's a cute little pub.
Plus, it's the only place
in town that serves lunch.
Oh, well,
the Emerald Ember it is.
-Do you wanna walk together?
-Yeah.
[instrumental music]
Oh, girls! Come and join me.
[chuckles]
-Oh!
-Hungry, yeah?
I still haven't got used to
ordering for one.
-[everybody laugh]
-So please, come and have some.
Or maybe you two just want to
have a quiet lunch alone.
[laughs] No. No. This is great.
Oh, I mean,
we've already ordered.
And food always tastes better
eaten with friends.
-Right.
-And wait till you see...
what we're having for dessert.
-Mmm.
-Oh!
Thank you.
-[all laughing]
-I'll see you later.
-Bye.
-Bye.
You again? What?
What is your fascination
with me?
I'm just a person
like any other person.
Let's get you back home.
[Lamb Chop bleats]
Ah, Rose. And Lamb Chop, huh?
There you go.
That's a good girl.
-I was wondering where she went.
-Don't wonder.
Just always assume
that she's with me.
Oh, well, in that case,
maybe you should consider
a career as a shepherd.
Given my current career choices,
I probably should.
-Have a good night.
-Goodnight.
-[bleats]
-There you are. All right.
[instrumental music]
I thought you said
it was disgusting.
-I guess it grew on me.
-Oh, yeah.
Things have a way of
doing that down here.
I'm sure they do,
but I'm not gonna find out
because I've decided
I don't want the cottage.
-You've decided that?
-Yes.
I would like to sell it.
There were some buyers before
me. What happened to them?
Yeah, they found
another property.
Lovely little cottage.
Livable as is.
Costs 21,000 euros.
You really should have
just upped your budget
to that price range.
Fine, then. We'll list it.
How long did it take
to sell the last time?
73 days.
-73 days?
-Mm-hmm.
And then two buyers in one day.
Like Christmas magic.
But, you know, you could sell it
quick if you listed it
and incentivized the buyer.
Incentivize how?
Do some repairs.
Offer a stipend, maybe.
Pay someone to buy the cottage?
Look, it's probably
for the best, you know?
Rosalie's cottage,
it's just not for you.
-What does that mean?
-Well, it means that
it should be with someone
who appreciates history.
Who wants to take the time to
get to know her,
to care for her. Someone who's
not a perpetual tourist.
Well, maybe it should be
listed by somebody--
Candles dear?
Rosie. Meet, my mom, Mary.
She makes candles,
has impeccable timing,
and she loves to meddle.
Yeah. Rose, I've heard
so much about you.
Please, take the candle
as a gift.
It brings in warmth
and goodwill.
Yeah.
I've heard you're here
over Christmas.
Well, Irish custom is to welcome
travelers into our homes.
So, why don't you
drop in tonight?
We'll make mince pies.
And I won't take no
for an answer.
[quirky music]
-Then I guess I'd be delighted.
-Hm.
Great.
[instrumental music]
[scoffs]
Plum pudding for your mom.
-She's allergic to plums.
-Good one.
-Now, this is the O'Laughlins?
-Mm-hmm.
That's my dad.
He died a few years back.
And that's my sisters
and my brother.
-They're all in Dublin now.
-Well, they all are?
And why did you stay?
Well, you know, I'm the eldest.
I don't wanna leave
my ma alone.
Also, I don't think there's
anything I can find elsewhere
that I can't find here.
Sean is just being modest.
He's actually Dunclare's glue.
He spearheads
the Christmas market,
the mistletoe harvest,
the Christmas day swim.
Thanks for coming, Rose.
You ready to make mince pies?
Absolutely.
So, mincemeat pie,
is that like shepherd's pie?
No, it's actually dried fruit,
nuts and apples.
So, plum pudding has no plums
and mincemeat has no meat?
Always read the fine print.
[soft music]
So, Rose, what made
you choose Dunclare?
Well, oddly enough, my mom
actually visited here
thirty five years ago.
So, I guess I'm sentimental.
Did she pass?
-Yeah.
-Oh.
But it's fine.
It's been almost 10 years.
Mm-hmm. We don't stop missing
the people we love.
Sean and I know that well.
So, what was your ma like?
She was an inherently
free spirit.
She loved adventure
and wanted to
spend her life
traveling the world.
But my dad was more of
a homebody, wanted to stay put.
They were complete opposites.
My hubby and I were quite
opposite, too.
But it worked well.
[doorbell rings]
Oh, forgive me.
That's my neighbor.
So, when you stir the mince,
you should actually, um,
stir it clockwise.
-Why is that?
-For good luck.
You believe in luck
through stirring?
No, I believe it's, you know,
it doesn't hurt to believe.
It's like when you put a candle
in the window at Christmas.
It's bad luck to
let it go out.
[soft music]
-No, I'm not superstitious.
-It's not superstition.
It's more like, um, like faith,
you know, or hope.
Besides, when in Ireland,
just go clockwise.
You really didn't have to
walk me home.
Dunclare feels very safe.
[chuckles]
I just wouldn't want you to get
lost and lose your way.
Hm. I don't mind
getting lost sometimes.
[laughs]
So, that story you told
about your mum,
was that why you traveled?
'Cause she didn't get to?
Maybe partially.
To honor her spirit.
[music continues]
I guess we're not
that different.
Both care about
preserving legacy.
[jovial music]
Hey!
You started painting already.
I was testing colors,
but I did pick one.
So, now all I have to do is
paint, refinish the floors,
stage it with Matthew's
furniture, if he lets me,
and, uh, fix the heat
so potential buyers
don't die of hypothermia.
Yeah, you know all the
real estate agent's tricks.
Yeah, trick number one,
don't kill the buyer.
I'm actually heading into town
to pick up some paint.
Could I get a ride with you?
And, hop in the car
with a stranger?
Well, there are no strangers
in Dunclare.
Just real estate agents
looking to take
advantage of naive tourists.
[laughs] Okay,
I don't quite remember it
that way,
but I'll move past it.
I would happily offer
you a lift,
but, uh, I didn't drive.
I walked.
Just passing by
and thought I'd say hi.
Hi.
Hi.
But I could bring you on
the scenic route if you want.
I live for the scenic route.
Okay. [laughs]
[soft music]
[seagulls squawking]
Down there is Cairns Beach.
Everyone comes to
the Christmas Swim.
What's that?
Well, on Christmas Day,
all of Dunclare
comes down and takes a plunge.
Isn't it freezing?
[laughs] Yeah, well,
that's the point.
It's like a baptism
of sorts, you know?
Plunge yourself
into the new year.
Sounds like a really fun way
to get hypothermia.
Yeah, it is. You wanna do it?
[laughs] Tempting, but no.
Besides, by then, I will have
sold my cottage
and be on my way.
Ah, yes, the very common
two-week escrow.
Well, as often as I have seen
that happen,
I have a feeling you will still
be here for a swim.
-Hopefully not.
-[laughs]
I'll try not to take offense.
Here, watch yourself.
[music continues]
So do your siblings come down
for Christmas?
Ah, sometimes yes, sometimes no.
This year, yes.
So ma's very happy.
So it's just you and your mom
and no partner?
Is this your subtle way of
trying to pry into my life?
In Ireland, we just call it
making conversation.
Ah, touch.
No, no girlfriend, just me.
Believe it or not,
dating is hard
in a small town of 900 people
where most of them are retired
or are your cousins. [chuckles]
How about you?
Does the lone wolf
have a secret pack?
-Just Lamb Chop.
-Oh.
-Good for Lamb Chop.
-[laughs]
[music continues]
Oh, Rose. Oh,
I hoped I'd see you.
How was your day?
Oh, great. Marvelous, really.
But if you're in the mood,
there's a big Christmas party
downtown tonight.
By downtown, do you mean
across the street?
Oh, yes. [chuckles]
The Emerald Ember is-is
hosting an Irish tradition,
the 12 Days of Christmas.
Now, usually, it's a pub crawl,
but because Dunclare
only has one pub,
the whole shebang is there.
Want to check it out?
Oh, God, I have so much
work to do tonight.
But when I'm in Ireland,
I guess I should have at least
one Guinness, right?
-Hey, Caitlin.
-Hey.
You wanna join us tonight?
Girls' night on the town.
Sure, why not? [chuckles]
[music over stereo]
[clapping in rhythm]
Ooh, look at, look at
all these cute Irish men.
Whoo-hoo!
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
You two are festive.
It's kind of an inside joke.
Sean's way of saying,
see you soon.
Whether she likes it or not.
Caitlin, good to see you.
I went by the house today.
It's looking great.
I love it.
-Ah, Sean's your agent, too.
-And my preservationist.
So this is all your first
12 pubs for Christmas, right?
Okay, if so, come on.
Down at Dunclare, we do it
a little different, okay?
Instead of 12 pubs,
we do 12 Christmas drinks.
That's a lot of liquid.
Ah, let's see, luckily for you,
throw a miniature.
See? The Irish are nothing if
not known for their moderation.
There you go.
Slinte.
[all]
Slinte.
[music continues]
Okay, so earlier today when you
said tonight and then stopped,
is this what you didn't
invite me to?
I figured I'd see
you here anyway.
But what if you didn't?
You would have just
let me miss this?
I would have looked
for you everywhere.
Found you somehow.
I would have just freed
Lamb Chop and followed her.
[laughing]
[chuckles] Uh, I'm gonna go
check on my friends.
[music continues]
Ladies. Are you having fun?
Oh, so much. Thank you
for coming out tonight.
You know, when I was married,
I never really spent time
with anyone
but Danny and the kids.
And now it's-it's hard
to make friends.
But you seem good at it.
Aw!
Hey! So, in
the next round of 12 pubs.
-And I brought some friends.
-[all laugh]
Okay, take one,
take one, take one.
-Slinte.
-[all]Slinte.
We know the way to go home
Boys won't leave
the girls alone
They pulled my hair
and stole my comb
But that's all right
till I go home
She is handsome,
she is pretty
She is belle
of Belfast city
She is a-courting,
one, two, three
Please won't you
tell me who is she
[breathing deeply]
[soft music]
The sun will be rising soon.
Seriously? It's that late?
[chuckles] I'm not gonna
be able to get any sleep.
I guess I should just head to
the cottage and start working.
I'll walk you home.
Safety first.
It's so beautiful.
I couldn't agree more.
I forgot to ask.
Who lived in the cottage
before me?
Oh, it was the Tobins.
Michael and Rose.
They lived there together
for almost 70 years.
They said if they could
have had one wish,
it would have been to have
children, but...
they'd already used their
fairy wish on...
having 70 years together
in the same home.
A lifetime.
And they wouldn't
change that for anything.
[soft music]
And at the end, they had no one
to leave the cottage to, so...
it just fell into disrepair.
Are these the fairy trees
they wished on?
Yeah.
So legend has it that any human
who protects a fairy tree
gets granted one wish.
But one wish only.
So...
-You ready?
-What?
-Make a wish.
-[chuckles] To make a wish?
Uh, no, I-I would feel
really dumb.
I'm sure it's not
the first time.
[Rose laughs]
No, go on. Make a wish.
Are you going to?
Can't. It's not my tree.
Okay.
[soft music]
Okay, I made my wish.
What did you wish for?
-To find my new home.
-Really?
Y-you have one wish for all time
and you wished for a new home?
-W-w-what did you wish for?
-I can't tell you that.
You can't say a wish out loud.
They teach you
nothing in America?
-Wha...
-[both laugh]
I should be at home.
You know what I'm going to say.
"Merry Christmas, Rose."
Merry Christmas, Sean.
[both chuckle]
Okay.
[music continues]
[sighs]
Come in.
[groans] Furniture delivery.
-Ah, Sean, my boy.
-Do you guys know each other?
What am I saying?
Of course, you know each other.
Everyone in Ireland
knows each other.
So, uh, where would you
like the table?
Right here, please.
Oh, it's beautiful.
[instrumental music]
[knocking on door]
Come in.
Wow!
I love what you've done
with the place, Rose Walsh.
You sure you still want to sell?
[inhales] It's cute,
but there is no water
or heating, so yeah.
I just hope someone wants
to buy it.
I brought you
some extra ornaments.
They'll look nice on the tree.
Huh. You still get nervous
before a viewing?
Hmm. I used to but not anymore.
Yeah. I still get butterflies.
Not nerves so much as
excitement, you know.
Someone new is gonna find
the home, start building a life.
Did you feel that way
when you bought your house?
Yeah, of course.
Not so sure how much
of a life I built, but...
Do you ever think about
trying something new?
Like leaving Dunclare?
No.
Oh. I know. I know.
"What about me ma?"
[chuckles] I never...
Well, I've never said that.
I pray I never do it, but...
-Um, your accent's really bad.
-What?
No, but...
No, I can't leave
when she's still here.
I wouldn't really leave Dunclare
when everyone's moving away.
As soon as I just look
outside, and I love it.
Nowhere else I'd wanna be.
Home is a priority for me.
[instrumental music]
Okay, so...
Well, there's no electricity.
Huh. Just watch.
What are you gonna plug
this into? [chuckles]
Go ahead.
[instrumental music]
[waves crashing]
It's a well-loved home,
owned by the same family
for over 60 years.
It has great 19th century bones.
Plus it's a steal,
I'm selling it for what I paid.
Why are you selling it?
I don't know. [chuckles]
Well, we're interested,
but need to discuss it.
-We'll be in touch.
-One more question.
Does the lamb that we saw
on the way in
come with the property?
[chuckles]
[instrumental music]
You know, I think
she really likes you.
-Yeah.
-[both chuckle]
Aha! There she is.
The fugitive returns.
-Thank you, Rosie.
-Uh, no problem.
I'm gonna go peruse,
I have a few gifts left to buy.
You're gonna go buy some
plum pudding, aren't you?
Maybe.
[instrumental music]
[girl chuckles]
Hm. Thank you.
-Sandy.
-[sighs]
Are you all right?
Oh, just... dandy. [chuckles]
Just perfect, really.
Sandy, I know we just met
but you can talk to me.
All right, I... I might
be having a tough day.
Uh, to be honest,
the real reason
I'm in Dunclare is, uh...
[clears throat] Danny wanted
his ashes spread here.
[soft music]
But I keep trying
and I-I can't do it.
[chuckles]
What if I can't give him
what he wanted?
Uh, I don't know.
And I don't have
the words, so...
-if it's okay...
-[chuckles]
[exhales]
Why don't you go back
to the inn and have a nice bath,
and snuggle by the fire?
-That sounds lovely.
-Oh!
-Here. Enjoy this.
-Oh. [chuckles softly]
Thank you.
[music continues]
-Oh!
-Rose! Aah!
Did you enjoy the pie?
And did you burn the candle
I gave you?
Uh, yes to the first,
no to the second.
I'm saving it for a true dark
night of the soul.
But don't worry,
I plan to have many.
[both chuckle]
Oh. Uh, are you free tonight?
I'm trying
to convince Sean to, uh,
come and watch
Christmas movies with me.
But, you know, I'm sure
Rose has plans.
No, I'm 100% free.
Besides, "What about me ma?"
Stop! Okay, no, stop, please.
Please.
[instrumental music]
See, I love having people
for supper.
But when the kids come around
with all the babies,
the dining room
just can't hold us all.
Well, you could
easily knock down the wall
between the dining room
and the kitchen.
Open it all up.
Put in a butterfly table.
-It sounds complicated.
-It's really not.
I can help you with it.
It's kind of where I'm a Viking.
Then thank you, Rose.
You're renovating
my ma's house now?
Are you going to
micro-manage that as well?
[phone rings]
There is, um, my friend Eileen.
She wants me to help her
with, uh, something.
And, uh, you two
will be fine on your own.
Uh-huh.
Well played, Mary.
Least subtle woman
on the planet.
Well, joke's on her
because I actually
wanted to watch
a Christmas movie.
Great. Me too.
So... [grunts]
Let's see what we got.
Huh. Seren-Christmasy?
Two strangers fall in love
on a train,
then they lose each other,
before realizing
they're also rivals at work.
That sounds great.
Uh, I was thinking
a Christmas movie
like Die Hard.
I don't really like romcoms.
Who doesn't like rom-coms?
-I wanna live in a rom-com.
-[laughing]
Said by the guy
who doesn't date.
I do date. I've dated.
I've-I have dated.
Oh, you want me
to spill the beans?
Mm-hmm.
[blowing raspberries]
I, well, um...
[clears throat]
we were sweethearts in school,
stayed together
in the university.
And then,
she wanted to move away
and I wanted to move home.
You know, I mean, look, it all
worked out for the best.
She's got a really
beautiful family now.
You obviously want that,
so... why not?
And don't feed me
your line about
there not being anyone to date.
You're Dunclare's
most eligible bachelor.
[scoffs] I don't think
that's as...
big of an accolade
as you think it is. [chuckles]
Are you scared?
Scared of what?
I don't know. You tell me.
You're the one who always
is going on about legacy?
And legacy is something
that outlasts you.
And what lasts longer than love?
[soft music]
Heartbreak.
[sighs]
[exhales]
Well, I was promised Die Hard.
Seren-Christmasyit is.
[fire crackling]
[music continues]
[exhales]
[sighs]
[paper rustling]
[sighs]
[quirky music]
[door closes]
Please tell your mom
I'm so sorry
for falling asleep on the couch.
I told you we should've
watched Die Hard.
Nah! She likes the company.
Don't worry about it.
I do too.
Can I accompany you
in your morning commute?
-I'd like that.
-[horse snorting]
Oh, one second.
[clicks tongue]
Tearing oak?
[both chuckle]
-Wanna pat her?
-Yeah.
Hello! [chuckles]
-Is that a friend of yours?
-Nah, never met her before.
[soft music]
-Oh, there's Cairn's Beach?
-Mm-hmm.
Now will you show it to me?
Come on.
So this is where they do
the Christmas Day swim?
Yeah.
Still hoping you won't
be here for it?
Even if I was, I wouldn't do it.
-Why not?
-'Cause I hate cold water.
No, it's just a moment of pain
for lifetime of memories
you'll cherish forever.
Not gonna happen.
Let's do it, right now.
-What?
-Swim with me.
-Seriously?
-Come on, Rose.
You wanna take
the plunge with me?
[chuckles]
-[cell phone vibrating]
-One second.
[music continues]
What?
Looks like we're getting
an offer on the cottage.
We got an offer?
Conor and Megan said, uh,
offer is incoming contingent
on, uh, doing
an inspection today, so...
So maybe I won't be here
for Christmas after all.
It's like all your
Christmas wishes come true.
Hm.
[music continues]
[Sean exhales]
Oh, Christmas tree
Oh, Christmas tree
How lovely
are your branches
[humming]
-Hello, Rose. [chuckles]
-Huh, hi.
You have such a pretty voice.
[Sandy chuckles]
Who are these gifts for?
Family back home.
I'm hoping everything
arrives in time.
And Michigan is home?
You don't have to answer
if you don't want to.
[sighs]
No, it's fine, um...
I'm sick of this whole charade.
Have you heard of Caity Evans?
-The pop star?
-Oh! You're Caity Evans!
Gosh, you look
totally different.
I cut off all my hair.
[chuckles]
Wait, so what are you
doing in Dunclare?
Hiding.
I loved singing
but hated fame,
I stopped feeling like myself.
And I have always wanted
to restore an old house,
and my family is originally
Irish, so I came here.
So you just upped
and disappeared?
I guess so.
Well, Caity Evans is a legend.
But I prefer Caitlin.
-[chuckles]
-Hmm.
All right, ladies, I have
to head to the cottage.
But we'll see you later
for the Mistletoe Harvest?
Absolutely. Wouldn't miss it.
With Sean in tow?
-Bye, ladies.
-[both laugh]
[instrumental music]
This is an old
Dunclare tradition.
My dad used to spearhead it,
now I do.
Huh, anything for legacy.
Oh, okay, it's not
just for legacy.
Now, look, the tourists,
they love it.
They come in their droves,
take a million photos.
We've even had, uh,
several proposals.
I can see why.
Although, it seems like you
are roping unsuspecting tourists
into doing forestry.
Oh, there's the romantic I love.
[sniffles] So this is
all mistletoe, you see.
-How do you get it down?
-I'll show you.
[soft music]
[ladder clanging]
So what do I do?
You just reach around
the bough. I got you.
And you try and take off
the whole thing intact.
The mistletoe actually has
its roots in Celtic mythology.
Celts believed it was sacred
and had healing powers.
Ah, is this where a kiss under
the mistletoe comes from?
Oh, you're trying to say that
a kiss has healing powers?
[music continues]
No, I'm saying that...
the Celts were lonely and, um...
looking for winter fun.
[sighs]
[chuckles]
So, what do I do with this?
Well, you go make a wreath.
I'm gonna go do the rounds.
-Town mayor, you know?
-Are you really?
Maybe I am.
[music continues]
[Sandy] So I see the Emerald
Ember
is offering
a Christmas Eve dinner.
Would you like to have supper?
[gasping]
-Yeah, that sounds great.
-Definitely.
If I'm still in town.
[Matthew]
Another fine harvest, huh?
[inhales deeply]
Is it me, or...
are there a few
sparks in the air?
[laughing]
You're just so intent on trying
to match me, ain't you?
[chuckles]
Sean, I have known you
since you were born.
I watched you walk
your first steps,
drink your first pint.
Suffer your first heartbreak.
So no, I'm not intent
on matchmaking.
I'm intent on seeing you happy.
Okay, come on, let's go say hi.
[indistinct chatter]
[instrumental music]
-Hey.
-Hi.
Oh, Matthew, this is Sandy,
Declan Kelly's widow.
[Matthew] Danny Kelly, huh?
Come here till I tell you,
I have a few stories about him.
We walked to school together
every day, you know that?
Yeah, every single day.
So what'd you
do last Christmas?
Uh-mm...
-Oh, I was in Chicago.
-Hm.
Made two friends
off a guy I was dating.
What happened to him?
Hm, hopefully nothing.
No, I mean,
what happened to him and you?
[inhales deeply]
Nothing remarkable.
I left town and he, uh,
went on his way.
Relationships are all about
finding someone
who wants
the same things as you.
What do you want?
To be able to pick up
and go wherever I want.
Um...
freedom...
to not have to
answer it anyone.
Isn't that the whole point
of a relationship?
Having to have something
to answer to,
hopefully in a good way.
[soft music]
My mom and dad got married,
and then my mom had me
and she just gave up
everything she wanted.
And you know,
maybe my mom and dad
didn't have time
or money to travel.
Or maybe they didn't
wanna travel together.
But maybe the hard truth is that
my mom stayed because of me.
Hm.
I don't want that.
I don't wanna feel trapped.
[music continues]
How do you know
she felt trapped?
You know, you're sure
that couldn't just be
your own guilt
the way you think
your mom gave up for you?
Because I... I'm certain...
that whatever she gave up is...
nothing compared
to what she gained with you.
[inhales deeply] Anyway, um,
really should've just led
with this, but, uh...
Conor and Megan came in with an
official offer. [chuckles]
Oh, wow.
Yeah, looks like you got
your wish after all.
-Yeah, on to the new home.
-Yeah.
I kind of thought
you'd be more excited.
[music continues]
[chuckles]
Yeah, me too.
[bike engine whirring]
Well, thank you
for meeting with me.
I just wanted to have
a forthright conversation
about the cottage.
-Are you planning to flip it?
-Yes.
But full disclosure,
first we're going to gut it,
then we're going to make it
into a luxury property.
[chuckles]
Well, then you should know
that it's
a historical designation.
You'll have to work
with a preservationist
and there's a lot of red tape.
We appreciate the concern,
but we've done a lot of these,
we know how the system works.
Well,
Sean is a preservationist
and he will be against
a renovation.
Definitely anything luxury.
Rose, you don't need
to make excuses.
If you don't want
to sell, then don't sell.
[soft music]
Sean. They're gonna flip it.
No, first they're gonna gut it,
then they're gonna flip it.
So they flip it.
Seriously?
What about your whole spiel
on protecting legacy?
No, legacy is as constant
as change.
So you fought me, but you're
not gonna fight them?
How much more do you
want me to fight, Rose?
Okay, I'm not endless.
I'm sorry.
I'll have the paperwork
over for you tomorrow to sign.
[sighs]
[instrumental music]
Yeah, I'm just
completely confused.
Sean said he wouldn't
allow a flip.
[Maura]
And then you exhausted him.
[sighs]
Thanks.
I can always count
on you for support.
What do you want me to say?
You wanted to buy the cottage
and he sold it to you.
[Maura]
Then you wanted to sell it
and he found someone to buy it.
He is constantly
jumping through hoops
to make you happy.
And I don't think it's because
he's the real estate agent
of the year.
So sign the papers and leave.
Or else... stay and marry him.
[soft music]
And then we could even
add a window here
and do a built-in
nook around it.
And then the kitchen,
just update the cabinets,
new hardware,
upgrade the lighting.
Easy peasy.
[gasps]
That all sounds lovely.
And I'm game.
But now, uh, on to you.
I hear you have a buyer
for the cottage.
Yeah, we do.
So I guess
I'll be leaving soon.
I'm thinking Scotland next.
Come on, Rosie.
What's the point
of always starting over?
Well, I'm not
always starting over.
I bring my adventures
and my friends with me.
Yeah, I respect that.
There's an old Irish proverb,
"we must adventure in order
to know where we truly belong."
But at some point,
we must belong.
Forgive me for meddling,
it sounds like
you could good use...
some mothering. [chuckles]
[soft music]
Just be honest with me.
Why do you not want
to have a home?
I guess that...
when my mother died...
any sense of home
went with her.
And...
I don't know if I'll
ever feel that way again.
Um , my dad and I aren't close,
we never got each other, and...
[breathes deeply]
[music continues]
I guess I just feel...
alone in the world.
And that's okay, because...
I'm good at being alone.
[exhaling deeply]
You will always
have a home here.
And... those
are not empty words.
And you'll be joining us
for Christmas dinner.
That wasn't a question.
I don't know
if I'll still be here,
but if I am, I told
my friends from the inn
that I'd have dinner with them.
Well, bring them.
[chuckles]
All family, welcome.
[music continues]
[Sandy]
It was harder than I thought.
I woke feeling strong,
thinking today was the day
I was going
to spread his ashes.
But then I got to
the ocean, and I...
couldn't do it.
Would it help if
we came with you?
I'm so appreciative.
But um...
let me give it some thought.
[chuckles]
[instrumental music]
I am so sorry I have got to run,
but I will see you both soon.
Sean!
-Hey.
-I emailed over the paperwork.
I saw, thanks.
I'm still going over
the fine print.
[chuckles]
Um, just a...
a small thank you,
some food and stuff.
Oh wow, that's...
that's a lot of food and stuff.
Ah...
Do you wanna maybe, uh,
have a picnic?
[laughing]
All right, let's-let's
see what we got here.
We got high back orchard syrup,
Irish balsamic vinegar,
brown bread crackers,
Irish smoked salmon.
This is great, because
I can't get any of this here.
Okay. Well, what would have
been a better gift?
I don't know,
something American maybe?
Like a pickup truck?
Apple pie? Some individualism?
[chuckles]
Actually, no, you've gifted me
with enough individualism.
Ew!
[soft music]
I'm just gonna
miss that Irish humor.
And the Irish Christmas.
Well, an Irish Christmas
is just where
you leave it at saying goodbye.
[chuckles]
All right, I know
you're gonna miss
everything from over here.
Hm.
Especially me.
[chuckles]
I suspect that might be true.
Yeah?
Sorry.
[instrumental music]
Haven't signed the paperwork?
I'm still going over
that fine print.
Rose, if you don't
want to sell, you...
[laughs]
I don't know what I want.
[indistinct chatter]
So "me ma..."
I use "me ma" for effect.
She says you're gonna
come to Christmas dinner.
Yes, with some friends
at your mom's insistence,
-I hope that's okay.
-No, absolutely, yeah.
You're in Ireland. In Ireland,
Christmas, we roll deep.
[giggles]
It'd be nice, to have you.
[instrumental music]
-I'll see you later.
-Yeah.
[music continues]
I can't do it,
I'm not ready.
It's okay.
I just want him here
a little longer.
I'm sorry.
You don't have to be sorry.
Maybe you're not ready.
Or maybe this isn't
how you're meant to do it.
Hm.
Would you mind
if I sang something?
Mind? [chuckles]
I'd be honored.
Oh, Danny Boy
The pipes, the pipes
Are calling
From glen to glen
And down the mountainside
The summer's gone
And all the roses falling
It's you, it's you
Must go, and I must bide
[instrumental music]
[door opens]
[all] Merry Christmas!
You must be Rose.
I'm Sean's sister, Emily.
I've heard so much about you.
Well, knowing your mom,
I'm sure you have. [chuckles]
Oh, come on in, come on in.
[soft music]
[door shuts]
Everyone, meet Rose.
-Hello
-[woman 1] Hello.
[chuckles nervously]
-And I'm Sandy.
-Caitlin.
Oh, my goodness,
I nearly missed you.
Enjoy. Come on, take your cubs.
-Nollaig shona duit.
-You quit your day job.
[chuckles]
I read that
this is an Irish tradition?
-The Celts brought it over?
-Oh, yeah, well...
The Celts invented
Christmas crackers.
[both laugh]
So, here you got
a-a gift, a joke.
Wanna do it?
[chuckles]
I, uh, I'm on cabbage
and corned beef duty, so...
We're having cabbage and corn...
[festive music over stereo]
Oh.
-Thank you again for having us.
-No thank yous.
You're family now.
-[doorbell rings]
-Oh.
Excuse me, dear.
[all chuckle softly]
I am loving being here, but...
it is making me feel
a little bit homesick.
[chuckles nervously]
You could always go back home.
Be with your family.
Then I'd feel like I'd,
I'd failed Danny.
The only failure is believing
there's only
one way to do things.
You do you.
And if Danny has a problem
we'll deal with him.
[all chuckle]
[soft music]
Oh, here,
let me help you with those.
[sighs] Actually, you know what
you could really help me with?
Letting me know if you're gonna
sign that paperwork or not.
You know, Conor and Megan
are pushing really hard so...
And I'm kind of,
emotionally invested here too,
so I'd really like to know.
[chuckles softly]
Right.
You know, you don't have to
sell if you don't want to.
Hm? I can be more amenable
to a remodel.
Or you could sell and just buy
a another property
in Dunclare, you know.
One without
historical designation.
[both chuckle]
I...
I made an offer on
a property in Scotland and...
it was accepted.
Oh.
[clears throat]
So, you're going to Scotland?
Maybe.
I know that
this sounds crazy but...
I was thinking
you could come with me.
[soft music]
Or visit?
There's an old Irish proverb
that says
one must take adventures
in order to know
where they truly belong.
Hey, I'm the one with
the proverbs. [chuckles]
What would I do in Scotland?
The same thing
you're doing here.
But aren't you gonna
do the same thing over there
that you're doing here?
[chuckles]
You cannot just do it here?
I see, I see.
[music continues]
Then you'd feel trapped.
Yeah.
Rose, I, um...
What? No, just say it.
[inhales]
I just don't invest in someone
who's scared to get close.
But isn't that what we both
saw in each other?
[somber music]
Um, this just got
painfully awkward. Uh...
I think that I should,
I should go.
No, no, no, hey.
-It's Christmas Eve.
-I think it's for the best.
I'll sign the paperwork.
Okay.
[music continues]
[instrumental music]
[phone thuds]
[music continues]
-Rose, merry Christmas.
-Oh!
-Merry Christmas.
-Are you all right?
[Caitlin]
You just ran off last night.
I'm sorry.
Who is this beauty? Oh.
-She looks like you.
-This is my mother.
-W-when she was in Dunclare.
-[Sandy] Aw.
How special.
Where in town
was the photo taken?
I don't actually know.
[Caitlin] Well, there's
something hanging from the tree.
Hm, what is it?
[soft music]
[Rose]
Wait a minute.
-It's a fairy tree.
-What?
All my life my mom
use to told me
that Ireland is where
wishes come true.
[exhales]
Now I understand what she meant.
Oh...
Well, I...
got you both a little
Christmas gift.
Aw, you're so sweet.
Friendship bracelets?
[chuckles]
And I got one for me too.
Mistletoe.
You're so sweet.
Oh!
-[gasps]
-Who's that?
[Rose] You know them?
Yes, it's my kids, Josh and Liv.
I asked them to come...
to help me spread daddy's ashes.
You were right. There is
a way I want to do this.
And what about you?
Are you gonna sell the cottage,
move to Scotland?
I don't know.
I don't think
I know anything anymore.
You know,
all these years that...
I was alone and I thought
that was freedom, but...
but maybe I was trapping myself.
And this is freedom.
[instrumental music]
Now...
-Oh, thanks, Mary.
-Enjoy.
Oh...
Ah, love.
So...
what happened
with Rose last night?
Uh, she told me
she's moving to Scotland,
and she invited me
to go with her.
-Ah! Why?
-And I said no.
For all the obvious
reasons, like, uh,
'cause we've only known
each other three weeks.
Because we spent one
of those weeks fighting.
Because she doesn't live here
and because she doesn't
wanna live here.
And because you're terrified
of having
your heart broken again?
[soft music]
Maybe because of that, too.
Sean, love.
Maybe this is a bad idea.
Maybe hearts will get broken.
We must try.
We must adventure
in order to know
where we truly belong.
So she got that line from you?
I was trying to help her.
[inhales] Look...
Enough preserving the past.
Time to build a future.
[music continues]
-Let's get to the swim.
-Oh.
-Yeah, let's do it.
-You don't want to miss it.
[phone chimes]
[phone beeps]
[instrumental music]
You sure you don't want
to take the plunge this year?
[chuckles softly]
Not by myself.
-Not by myself.
-Ah!
Ah!
[lively music]
Rose!
Rose.
Rose!
Rose!
[door opens]
[door opens]
Okay, Lamb Chop. Hey,
gotta go find Rose, okay?
I know, this is your moment.
Go. Go. Go find Rose. Go!
Yeah, come on. Where's Rose?
[bleats]
Come on, Lamb Chop.
You can do it.
Find Rose.
[music continues]
[waves crashing]
[bell rings]
[bleats]
No, you got this wrong, buddy.
She's not here.
You got it wrong.
[knocking on window]
Rose!
Hey, I, uh...
I came by earlier,
but you weren't here.
I went to my mom's fairy tree.
To make another wish?
No, I didn't need
to make a new wish.
I wished to find a new home
and I found it.
Scotland?
No.
Dunclare?
No.
In you.
[soft music]
I think...
that you could be
the place that
I want to return to
over and over again.
You could be my home
and my adventurer
all rolled into one.
And I won't sell the cottage.
I'll restore it,
if it won't be too difficult.
Well, I can't
make any promises.
Look, you don't
have to stay here
if you don't want to.
I'd go anywhere with you.
[soft music]
You know,
I kind of love an adventure.
And I love a home.
Do you want to see
if those two loaves overlap?
[exhales]
Let's go take the plunge.
You know, I made a wish, too.
-But you won't tell me.
-I don't have to tell you.
You know, I realized that your
quote about Ireland
applies to you, too.
How do you mean?
Well, when I'm with you,
the inevitable never happens.
And the unexpected
constantly occurs.
Sometimes the inevitable
does happen.
[instrumental music]
[chuckling]
[music continues]
[instrumental music]