Inside Penrhyn Castle: Netflix’s Glamorous Guinness Family Drama Unveiled

Penrhyn Castle, located in Bangor, Wales, has been transformed into the Guinness family home for the new Netflix drama House of Guinness. The series follows the lives of the Guinness family after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the man who made the Guinness brewery world-famous. The castle, with its impressive Norman-style architecture and luxurious interiors, serves as the perfect backdrop for the story, which is set in 19th-century Dublin and New York. The show stars actors like James Norton, Michael McElhatton, and Ann Skelly, who bring the family’s dramatic history to life.

Built in 1840, Penrhyn Castle was designed to look much older, reflecting the wealth and status of Victorian industrialists. The castle’s grand halls, opulent dining rooms, and fine art collections are featured throughout the series, helping to create an authentic atmosphere. The National Trust, which manages the castle, allows visitors to tour its rooms and learn about its history. In House of Guinness, the castle stands in for the Guinness family’s real home in Ireland, drawing parallels between the two estates.

Filming for the series took place mainly in north Wales and northwest England, as modern Dublin no longer resembles its 19th-century appearance. The production team traveled across Ireland and the UK to find locations that matched the historical setting. Executive producer Karen Wilson explained that places like Manchester, Liverpool, and Yorkshire provided the stately homes and streets needed for the show. The National Trust staff at Penrhyn Castle are proud to host the series, which explores themes of wealth, class, and family conflict. The castle itself has a long history tied to the fortunes of the Pennant family, who made their money from sugar and slate. House of Guinness premiered on Netflix on September 25, bringing the story of the Guinness dynasty to a global audience.