Across its eight episodes, this miniseries — an exciting new production from Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders — unveils the unfiltered story of the world-famous beer and, most importantly, the Irish family who created it. The journey begins in 1759, when Arthur Guinness opened his first brewery in Dublin.
The show cleverly weaves the Guinness family’s personal dramas with Ireland’s rich history. The beer may have become a global icon, but what really lies behind it all? Here, we break down every detail of this captivating true story. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
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House of Guinness – all the key details
- Original Title: House of Guinness
- Genre: Drama, Historical Drama
- Country of Production: Great Britain, Ireland
- Original Language: English
- Year of Production/Release: 2025
- Length: 1 season, 8 episodes
- Director/Creator: Steven Knight (showrunner), directed by: Tom Shankland (5 episodes), Mounia Akl (3 episodes)
- Cast: Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, Fionn O’Shea, James Norton, Jack Gleeson, Dervla Kirwan, Niamh McCormack, Danielle Galligan, David Wilmot, Hilda Fay, Ann Skelly, Elizabeth Dulau
What House of Guinnes is about
Behind the camera of this miniseries is Stephen Frears, with the screenplay by Steven Knight, best known for Peaky Blinders. The story follows the Guinness family estate after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, which is divided among his children: Arthur and Edward, two brothers with very different temperaments, and Anne and Ben. In a will full of surprises, their father tasks them with the joint management of the Guinness brewery, setting off a cascade of tension, betrayals, and drama. The action unfolds in 19th-century Dublin and New York, where not just money, but the survival of the dynasty hangs in the balance.
“The Guinness dynasty is known worldwide – wealth, poverty, power, influence, and great tragedies all intertwine to create a rich tapestry of material to draw from. I’ve always been fascinated by their stories and am thrilled to bring them to life in a television series” – Stephen Frears
The true story of the Guinness family
It might seem surprising, but the Guinness family’s story is deeply intertwined with the history of Ireland. The success of the world-famous brewery is thanks to Arthur Guinness, born in 1725 in Celbridge, who in 1759 founded the Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate, Dublin, signing a 9,000-year lease for a symbolic £45 per year. It wasn’t until 1778 that the patent for the dark beer recipe we all know today was registered. Arthur Guinness himself began producing a dark, robust beer called “porter”, the ancestor of the modern Guinness Stout.
The beer, characterized by an intense flavor and creamy foam, quickly became popular, also thanks to the entrepreneurial skill of the family in promoting the brand. The Guinness Stout spread throughout Ireland and, in the 19th century, began conquering the global market, becoming one of the most iconic Irish products. The Guinness family not only amassed great wealth but also distinguished themselves through their philanthropic efforts.
“The story of Guinness is full of mystery, intrigue, and drama, and we are absolutely thrilled to bring it to Netflix audiences worldwide. This epic and fascinating story about one of the greatest dynasties in the world will captivate viewers, and I can’t think of anyone better than Steven Knight to bring it to life” – Karen Wilson, producer
The cast
At the center of the story are Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness (known for Game of Thrones) and Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness (Enola Holmes). Emily Fairn (Anne) and Fionn O’Shea (Ben) will also appear as the siblings. The cast also includes James Norton, Jack Gleeson, Dervla Kirwan, Niamh McCormack, and Danielle Galligan.
Where was House of Guinness filmed
The filming of House of Guinness takes viewers to the vibrant heart of Dublin. Key locations include the historic Liberties district, the iconic St. James’s Gate Brewery, and the Wicklow Mountains National Park — the symbolic home of the legendary Irish beer. The production also showcases the original brewery interiors, with their industrial corridors and massive fermentation tanks. Traditional pubs, stone alleyways, and glimpses of the Irish countryside add authenticity and create an immersive atmosphere. The locations themselves become part of the story, showing the centuries-old bond between Guinness, the city, and its community.
The drama of alcoholism and financial scandals
Although the Guinness family is now associated with wealth and well-being, their history includes dramatic events that helped break a cycle of suffering, leading to the rebirth of one of Ireland’s most famous surnames. Paradoxically, despite the beer’s success, several family members struggled with alcoholism, including Rupert Guinness, son of Edward Cecil Guinness, Arthur Guinness II, grandson of the founder, and Tara Browne. The family history also features financial scandals. For example, Patrick Guinness was arrested and convicted in 1986 for embezzling funds from the family company.
Philanthropic commitment
The Guinness family is known not only for the commercial success of their beer, but also for their significant philanthropic efforts, which have left a lasting impact on Ireland and beyond. Several family members played key roles in charity projects. The first was Lord Iveagh, Edward Cecil Guinness, great-grandson of Arthur Guinness, recognized as one of the greatest philanthropists of his time. He allocated substantial funds to poor communities in Dublin and London, notably financing the construction of affordable housing for the working class, helping to address urban overcrowding.
This project led to the creation of the “Guinness Trust Buildings” in London and the “Iveagh Trust Buildings” in Dublin, providing housing for thousands. Another notable example was Edward Guinness and his foundation of hospitals, promoting education and funding schools and libraries. In 1907, he donated a large sum to purchase and donate St. Stephen’s Green, a public park in Dublin which remains one of the city’s main green spaces.
House of Guinness, when to watch it?
Available now! The show is on Netflix since September 25, 2025 ► WATCH IT ON NETFLIX
