Months later, school has finished and Connell arrives at Trinity College, Dublin. He has found a room in a house-share and meets his new housemate Niall. Despite his efforts, he feels out of place and struggles to articulate himself when surrounded by his eloquent and wealthy peers.

Connell and Marianne start socializing as friends in Dublin. She introduces Connell to her group and one of her friends, Teresa is interested in him. Marianne is still dating Gareth. but her interest in the relationship is starting to fade. Marianne eventually finishes things with Gareth and makes a drunken pass at Connell.

Connell and Marianne are back together. Connell has gained confidence in college; giving presentations in class and getting good grades but is reluctant to show Marianne affection in front of her friends. Will the two be able to admit that they are together?

Connell bumps into Marianne back in Sligo. It’s the first time they have seen each other since they broke up. Connell asks Marianne how she is and tells her he has heard that she’s now seeing Jamie. Despite the awkwardness between them, Connell offers to attend Marianne’s father’s anniversary mass the next day and they agree to stay friends.