New Netflix Drama Explores Guinness Family Legacy at Penrhyn Castle

BANGOR, Wales — A neo-Norman castle has become the backdrop for the new Netflix drama, “House of Guinness,” which depicts the stories of the Guinness family following the death of brewery patriarch Sir Benjamin Guinness.

Set in the 19th century, the series reflects the effects of Guinness’s death in 1868 on his four adult children: Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben. This dramatization, created by Steven Knight, known for “Peaky Blinders,” showcases the family’s struggles and triumphs against the backdrop of their brewing empire.

Even though the drama is set in Dublin and New York, Penrhyn Castle in Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales, serves as the family home due to its architectural parallels with the original Guinness residence in Cong, County Mayo, Ireland. The decision to film in this historic castle underlines the story’s connection to the brewing legacy, with the Guinness brewery now serving over 10 million glasses of beer daily worldwide.

“It’s the extraordinary story of a family who happens to be the inheritors of the biggest brewery in the world,” Knight stated. “They’re young and are given the task of taking on this incredibly successful brand.” The series has been compared to other popular dramas like “Succession” and “The Crown.”

Filming took place primarily in north Wales and North West England, as little of Dublin resembles its 1868 appearance today. Executive producer Karen Wilson emphasized the search across Ireland and the UK for suitable locations, explaining that structures like those in Manchester and Liverpool provided the necessary settings for the period piece.

Ceri Williams, the general manager of Penrhyn Castle at the National Trust Cymru, expressed excitement about hosting the series, noting the exploration of themes like wealth, class disparities, and conflict, all relevant to Penrhyn’s own history.

“House of Guinness” debuted on Netflix on September 25.