An Irish Spell: Sanjoy Narayan on the Stunning Music of House of Guinness

In its commitment to an Irish identity and the seamless fusion of historical and contemporary influences, the music of House of Guinness succeeds in capturing the country’s rebellious spirit far more effectively than the series itself.

The Netflix period drama, House of Guinness, premiered in September 2025 and has been described as a hybrid of Succession and Peaky Blinders. The eight-episode series centres on the power struggle within Ireland’s most renowned brewing dynasty following the death of the family patriarch, Benjamin Guinness, in 1868. The narrative charts the ambitions, betrayals, and complex family dynamics of the Guinness heirs as they navigate wealth, influence, and societal change.

While the series has found praise abroad, critics from the United States and the United Kingdom welcoming it as “irresistible” entertainment, the reception in Ireland has been far more critical. Irish reviewers have highlighted issues with its portrayal of colonialism and the depiction of Irish revolutionaries. One critic famously described the show’s treatment of the Fenians as likening them to “feral leprechauns,” emphasising the controversy surrounding its interpretation of Irish history and identity. Such remarks point to a broader disconnect between international audiences and local cultural expectations.

Amid this critical divide, the series’ soundtrack has emerged as one of its most compelling components. Composers have masterfully blended traditional Irish instruments, melodies, and motifs with modern orchestration and electronic textures, producing an evocative musical landscape that resonates deeply with viewers. The score evokes both the richness of Ireland’s historical legacy and the turbulent, defiant energy that characterised its revolutionary period.

For many, the music elevates the drama, providing emotional depth and cultural authenticity that the narrative itself struggles to consistently deliver. In this sense, the soundtrack acts as the true conduit of Irish identity, capturing the nation’s heritage and enduring spirit more effectively than the series’ plot.

Key aspects of House of Guinness are summarised below:

Ultimately, while the series may polarise audiences, the music of House of Guinness stands as a powerful reminder of the evocative potential of soundtracks, carrying viewers through Ireland’s historical tensions and familial intrigue with a resonance that transcends the limitations of the drama itself.