Get ready for an eight-episode miniseries that dives deep into the roots of one of the world’s most iconic beers and the Irish family whose name it bears. House of Guinness, the latest project from Steven Knight (creator of Peaky Blinders), kicks off in 1759, the year Arthur Guinness opened his first brewery in Dublin. Over the course of the series, you’ll experience the legendary rise of the Guinness dynasty, from humble beginnings to global fame.
Blending the personal saga of the Guinness family with the sweeping history of Ireland itself, House of Guinness explores what lies behind the iconic brew. How did a local beer become a household name around the globe? We’ll break down everything you need to know about this captivating true story. [TRAILER below]
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House of Guinness – All You Need to Know
- Original title: House of Guinness
- Genre: Drama, Historical Drama
- Country of origin: United Kingdom, Ireland
- Original language: English
- Year of release: 2025
- Format: 1 season, 8 episodes
- Creator/Showrunner: Steven Knight; 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 happens in the House of Guinness?
Directed by Stephen Frears and written by Steven Knight (best known for Peaky Blinders), the series unpacks the family fortune after the passing of Sir Benjamin Guinness. His will divides his estate among his children—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben—but with a twist: they must manage the Guinness brewery together. What follows is a high-stakes journey of rivalry, betrayal, and ambition set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, where the fate of the Guinness legacy hangs in the balance.
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“The Guinness dynasty is known all over the world—wealth, poverty, power, influence, and great tragedies are all woven together to create a rich tapestry of material to draw from. I have always been fascinated by their stories and I am excited to be able to bring them to the screen in a TV series” – Stephen Frears
The Real Guinness Family Story
The Guinness family’s story is closely tied to the rise of modern Ireland. Arthur Guinness—born in 1725 in Celbridge—founded the Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate, Dublin, in 1759, famously signing a 9,000-year lease for just £45 a year. In 1778, the family introduced the recipe for what would become Guinness Stout—Arthur’s own creation, a strong, dark “porter” that set the foundation for their signature beer.
Guinness beer quickly stood out for its bold flavor and creamy head, propelled by the family’s knack for business and marketing. By the 19th century, Guinness Stout was not only Ireland’s favorite but was gaining fans across the world. Alongside their commercial success, the Guinness family became known for their philanthropic efforts, leaving an impact that extended far beyond the brewery.
“The story of Guinness is full of mystery, intrigue, and drama and we are absolutely thrilled to bring it to Netflix audiences around the world. This epic and fascinating story about one of the world’s greatest dynasties will captivate viewers, and I can’t think of anyone better than Steven Knight to bring it to life” – Karen Wilson, producer
Who’s in the cast of the House of Guinness?
Leading the cast, Anthony Boyle stars as Arthur Guinness (best known from Game of Thrones), with Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness (Enola Holmes). Emily Fairn takes on the role of Anne, and Fionn O’Shea plays Ben. The ensemble also features James Norton, Jack Gleeson, Dervla Kirwan, Niamh McCormack, and Danielle Galligan.
Filming Locations of the House of Guinness
House of Guinness transports viewers into the soul of Dublin, from the historic Liberties district and the iconic St. James’s Gate Brewery to the scenic Wicklow Mountains National Park. Filming took place in authentic factory interiors—complete with industrial corridors and towering fermentation tanks—as well as traditional Irish pubs, cobblestone streets, and lush countryside. These locations immerse viewers in the Guinness family’s world, reflecting the unbreakable bond between the brand, the city, and its people.
Alcoholism and Financial Scandal
The Guinness name is now synonymous with wealth and tradition, but the family’s journey was marked by hardship as well as triumph. Several members—including Rupert Guinness (son of Edward Cecil), Arthur Guinness II (the founder’s grandson), and Tara Browne—struggled with alcoholism, despite the family’s fortune being built on beer. Financial scandals also left their mark, most notably the arrest and conviction of Patrick Guinness in 1986 for embezzling funds from the family business.
Philanthropic Legacy
Beyond their achievements in brewing, the Guinness family is celebrated for their philanthropy. Edward Cecil Guinness, known as Lord Iveagh and great-grandson of Arthur Guinness, was one of his era’s greatest philanthropists, donating large sums to help impoverished communities in Dublin and London. He funded affordable housing—the “Guinness Trust Buildings” in London and the “Iveagh Trust Buildings” in Dublin—giving thousands families a place to call home. Edward also established hospitals, supported education, and donated St. Stephen’s Green, a beloved public park in Dublin, to the city in 1907.
His work left a lasting mark, from hospitals and schools to libraries and green spaces. The philanthropic tradition continues to be a key part of the Guinness legacy.
House of Guinness: Netflix Release Date
The series premieres on Netflix on September 25, 2025. ► WATCH ON NETFLIX
