The Making of House of Guinness: A Journey Through Real-Life Locations
House of Guinness has captivated audiences with its rich storytelling and atmospheric visuals since the eight-part series began streaming on Netflix in September. Created by the acclaimed writer Steven Knight, known for his work on Peaky Blinders, the show delves into the complex dynamics of the Guinness family as they vie for control of their iconic brewery empire following the death of patriarch Sir Benjamin Guinness.
Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, the production team ventured across northwest England and Wales to bring the story to life. The choice of locations was crucial to capturing the essence of the period drama. Karen Wilson, executive producer for House of Guinness, highlighted the extensive travel involved, stating that the team explored Ireland and the UK to find the perfect settings.
Key Filming Locations
Penrhyn Castle, Bangor
One of the standout locations is Penrhyn Castle in Bangor, which served as the set for the Guinness family home, Ashford Castle. This neo-Norman castle, completed in 1840, offers a glimpse into the colonial past and provides visitors with a chance to explore its 60 acres of gardens and woodlands. Ceri Williams, general manager for Penrhyn Castle, noted that the themes of wealth and class disparities explored in the series align well with the historical narratives at the castle.
Liverpool
Liverpool played a significant role in the series, with much of its city center standing in for Dublin. The red brick Tobacco Warehouse at Stanley Dock was used to depict the famous brewery yard in the 1860s. Additionally, Croxteth Hall and Country Estate served as a backdrop for scenes that would have taken place in Dublin’s Iveagh House. St George’s Hall provided the setting for funeral processions and prison scenes.
The Georgian Quarter, including the cobbles of Faulkner Square, Back Sandon, Little Huskisson, and Mount Street, also appeared as backdrops. The Victorian Sefton Park Palm House was transformed into the location for Arthur Guinness’ secret meeting at the botanical gardens. The Flowing Tide pub from the show found its real-life counterpart in The Vines House pub, known as the “Big House,” located near Lime Street Station. The 18th-century Liverpool Town Hall also featured as a gathering spot for the Guinness family.
Manchester
Manchester contributed to the show by portraying scenes of New York City. The Northern Quarter, with its bustling streets, was used for market stalls and chase scenes. Filming also took place at a Manchester University building, which stood in for meetings at Dublin’s Imperial Hotel.
Stockport
Stockport’s Little Underbank was transformed into a 19th-century Dublin streetscape for filming in July 2024. For funeral scenes, two Stockport churches—St Mary’s Church and St George’s Church—were featured in the series. St George’s Church shared the news on Facebook, expressing excitement about their appearance in the new series.
Skipton, Yorkshire
Broughton Hall Estate in Skipton served as the setting for St Anne’s House, depicting the 19th-century country retreat of Arthur Guinness and his wife, Lady Olivia. This 14th-century Georgian estate offered a picturesque backdrop for the show’s narrative.
Cheshire
The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port was transformed into 19th-century Dublin graving docks, with its toll house becoming The Angel pub, complete with Guinness signage. Tatton Park, a historic estate featuring a Tudor hall, neo-classical mansion, and deer park, also served as a filming location. The library in the mansion and the conservatory in the gardens were used for scenes in the series.
Salford
Salford’s St Philip’s church, a Grade II listed Anglican church, and its crypt were featured in the show. Reverend Dr Gareth Robinson praised the crew for their efforts to create an authentic 19th-century scene both inside and outside the church.
Gwynedd, Snowdonia
Many of the scenes set in the Irish village of Cloonboo in County Galway were filmed in Wales, specifically in Snowdonia’s Gwynedd. Production designer Richard Bullock emphasized the similarity between the landscapes in far west Wales and parts of Ireland, highlighting the spiritual dimension the location added to the series.
All episodes of ‘House of Guinness’ are currently available for streaming on Netflix. The series not only showcases the history of the Guinness family but also highlights the beauty and diversity of the locations used in its production.
