The illustrious and ancient Dunne family has ruled over land in the heart of Ireland since time immemorial. In the manor house known as Brittas, resides the family of clan chieftain, General Edward Dunne. His estate agent and cousin Peter raises his brood in the servant's wing. These two related yet very separate branches struggle to secure their futures during the country's darkest, most formidable years. As Ireland is crumbling, the West is rising in Golden sunshine. In 1848, San Francisco lures James Dunne and eventually his brother Peter and sister Bridget to literally create a new city out of sand dunes and gold dust. The Dunnes of Brittas follows three generations of family who share in each other's triumphs and tragedies finally discovering that their strength doesn't derive from their separate branches but their common roots.