Bosco Hogan plays Joyce's alter-ego, Stephen Daedelus, growing up in Ireland in the early part of the 20th century, and at odds with the strictures of his Catholic home and family. The film charts his search for knowledge and understanding, during a decline in his family's circumstances, that leads him to revelations on the nature of art, beauty, and politics. However, his personal renaissance makes him feel unwelcome in his own country, and forces him to make a choice between exile as artist or staying and facing personal defeat.

Bosco Hogan
as Stephen Dedalus

T. P. McKenna
as Simon Dedalus

John Gielgud
as The Preacher

Rosaleen Linehan
as May Dedalus

Maureen Potter
as Dante

Niall Buggy
as Davin

Bryan Murray
as Lynch

Des Cave
as Cranly

Leslie Lalor
as Milly

Desmond Perry
as Casey