Inspired by the patchwork quilt 'Love Across The Waves' by Arranmore and Tir Boghaine Women's Groups, At The End Of The Day provides a look at life in Donegal during the early 1800s. The plot mainly follows the relationship of Matthew Lyons and Nuala Green, from the time they first meet, to the time they become engaged to be married, and also the events leading up to their meeting, including the Bruckless drownings and the economic conditions of the time.

The musical is set in times when the norm is for two sets of parents to get together in order to arrange a 'match' between their son and daughter. Matthew, from Teelin, and Nuala from Arranmore Island, in what might be considered to be a long distance relationship in the 1820s, make their own match, by falling in love.

When Matthew proposes to Nuala, the answer is undoubtedly 'yes', but there is a clause - Nuala wants to get her parents' blessing first. Matthew is anxious to know if their blessing is given, so Nuala arranges to light a bonfire, if the answer is positive, on a hill near her home, on Arranmore Island. Matthew will be able to see the bonfire from Glen Head, near his home.

They make their arrangements for the following day, at the end of the day, that is, after dusk. Will Matthew see the bonfire in the distance, and therefore know what their future will be?