
Under the Hawthorn Tree
Synopsis
Ireland, 1845, and the potato crop has failed, bringing terrible hunger and plague. Everywhere people are dying or emigrating. The family of young Eily, Michael and Peggy, around whom this story revolves, does not escape. Their baby sister dies and is buried under a hawthorn tree. Their mother leaves them alone to go in search of their father. The children are determined to avoid certain death in the workhouse, where the poor are sent. So they set off on the dangerous journey across Ireland to find their great-aunts, Nano and Lena, whom they have only heard about in their mother’s stories.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Liane Murphy
Eily O'Driscoll
Chris Bollard
Michael O'Driscoll
Doireann Lawlor
Peggy O'Driscoll
Ger Cody
Dan Collins
Collette Browne
Kitty Collins
Brendan Corcoran
John O'Driscoll
Richie Burke
Patsy Murphy
John Cleere
School Master
Mary Craddock
Mary Kate Conway
Liam Conway
British Officer
Lorcan Brennan
British Child (1)
Aine Brennan
British Child (2)
Oisin Bourke
Young Man at riot
Patrick Cushin
Cart Driver
Ray Doran
British Soldier
Paula Drohan
Woman at house
Kevin Hanrahan
British Soldier
Carmel Hennessey
Dying Woman
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Bronagh Murphy, Siobhan Lyons
- Screenplay & Story
- Marita Conlon-McKenna, Mike Kelly, Gabriel Murray
- Original Score
- Gregory Magee
- Original Title
- Under the Hawthorn Tree
- Country of Origin
- Ireland
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 30m
- Production Studios
- Young Irish Filmmakers
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Bronagh Murphy, Siobhan Lyons
Marita Conlon-McKenna, Mike Kelly, Gabriel Murray
Gregory Magee
Department Leadership Roster
Bronagh Murphy
Director
Siobhan Lyons
Director
Marita Conlon-McKenna
Writer
Mike Kelly
Writer
Gabriel Murray
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Under the Hawthorn Tree.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Under the Hawthorn Tree
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Under the Hawthorn Tree about?
Ireland, 1845, and the potato crop has failed, bringing terrible hunger and plague. Everywhere people are dying or emigrating. The family of young Eily, Michael and Peggy, around whom this story revolves, does not escape. Their baby sister dies and is buried under a hawthorn tree. Their mother leaves them alone to go in search of their father. The children are determined to avoid certain death in the workhouse, where the poor are sent. So they set off on the dangerous journey across Ireland to find their great-aunts, Nano and Lena, whom they have only heard about in their mother’s stories.
Who directed Under the Hawthorn Tree?
Under the Hawthorn Tree was directed by Bronagh Murphy, Siobhan Lyons.
Who stars in Under the Hawthorn Tree?
The principal cast of Under the Hawthorn Tree includes Liane Murphy, Chris Bollard, Doireann Lawlor, Ger Cody, Collette Browne.
When was Under the Hawthorn Tree released and how long is it?
Under the Hawthorn Tree was released in 1998 with a total runtime of 1h 30m.
Who composed the musical score for Under the Hawthorn Tree?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Under the Hawthorn Tree was composed by Gregory Magee.



















