Five unmarried sisters make the most of their simple existence in rural Ireland in the 1930s.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Meryl StreepKate Mundy | Kate Mundy |
 Catherine McCormackChristina 'Chrissy' Mundy | Christina 'Chrissy' Mundy |
 Brid BrennanAgnes 'Aggie' Mundy | Agnes 'Aggie' Mundy |
 Kathy BurkeMargaret 'Maggie' Mundy | Margaret 'Maggie' Mundy |
 Sophie ThompsonRose 'Rosie' Mundy | Rose 'Rosie' Mundy |
 Michael GambonFather Jack Mundy | Father Jack Mundy |
 Rhys IfansGerry Evans | Gerry Evans |
 Lorcan CranitchDanny Bradley | Danny Bradley |
| DDarrell JohnstonMichael 'Mike' Mundy | Michael 'Mike' Mundy |
 John KavanaghFather Carlin | Father Carlin |
 Marie MullenVera McLoughlin | Vera McLoughlin |
 Dawn BradfieldSophie McLoughlin | Sophie McLoughlin |
 Peter GowenAustin Morgan | Austin Morgan |
 Kate O'TooleChemist | Chemist |
 Gerard McSorleyNarration | Narration |