The captivating world of Netflix's 'House of Guinness' may tell the story of Ireland's most famous brewing dynasty, but much of the series was actually brought to life across the Irish Sea in Northern England. For those inspired to walk in the characters' footsteps, you'll need to point your compass toward Liverpool and Manchester rather than Dublin.
Liverpool's Historic Waterfront Stands In For Dublin
The production team made extensive use of Liverpool's UNESCO-listed waterfront, with the iconic Stanley Dock and surrounding area providing the perfect double for 19th-century Dublin. The city's remarkable architectural heritage, featuring Georgian and Victorian buildings, offered an authentic backdrop that required minimal digital enhancement.
Fans will recognise locations around the Albert Dock and the commercial district, where the show's bustling street scenes and dramatic character confrontations were filmed. Liverpool's ability to masquerade as other global port cities continues to make it a filmmaker's dream.
Manchester's Grand Architecture Hosts the Guinness Empire
Meanwhile, Manchester contributed its own industrial grandeur to the series. The city's stunning John Rylands Library, with its neo-Gothic splendour, stood in for various institutional and wealthy settings within the show. Other Manchester locations provided the perfect atmosphere for the boardroom dramas and family intrigues that drive the series' plot.
Why Film in England Instead of Ireland?
The choice to film primarily in Northern England came down to both practical production considerations and the specific visual requirements of the period drama. The producers needed intact historical urban landscapes that could convincingly portray 19th-century Dublin without extensive – and expensive – digital recreation.
Both Liverpool and Manchester offer extensive preserved historical districts alongside modern production facilities, creating an ideal combination for period filmmaking. This continues a long tradition of Northern English locations standing in for other global cities in major productions.
Plan Your Own 'House of Guinness' Tour
For travellers inspired by the series, both cities offer excellent opportunities for film tourism. Liverpool in particular has embraced its status as a filming hotspot, with various tours highlighting locations from major productions. Visitors can explore the very streets where the Guinness family's fictional drama unfolded while enjoying the real cultural attractions these vibrant cities have to offer.
So while the story may be firmly rooted in Irish history, the visual journey of 'House of Guinness' offers the perfect excuse to explore the rich industrial heritage and stunning architecture of Northern England – perhaps with a perfectly poured pint in hand.
