Chances are when you last went to the pub for a pint of Guinness, you weren't ruminating on the drink's rich family history. But behind Britain's most popular beer, which was created in the 18th century, is a powerful and well-established family dynasty.
That dynasty is the subject of a new eight-part drama on Netflix, House of Guinness, which will no doubt leave viewers wanting to know more about the real people behind the characters. Here's everything you need to know about Aunt Agnes.
Who is Aunt Agnes from House of Guinness?
As a family elder, Aunt Agnes represents the old order. She uses her position in the family to influence the four siblings, Arthur, Edward, Anne and Benjamin, while maintaining distance from their father's will.
When asked what her character thinks of the Guinness brothers, Dervla Kirwan, who plays Agnes in the series said: 'We say "craziness" in the lower classes and "eccentricity" in the moneyed classes – but either way, there's something unpredictable about them. Whether that's power, money or something in the bloodline... who knows? But it's clearly a difficult job. Almost impossible.'
Who plays Aunt Agnes in House of Guinness?
Dervla Kirwan plays Aunt Agnes in the Netflix series. You might recognise her from True Detective Night Country, Law & Order SVU, Doctor Who and Agatha Christie's Marple.
Dervla is married to English actor Rupert Penry-Jones, best known for his roles in Spooks and the 2007 adaptation of Persuasion.
What is House of Guinness about?
The eight-part series by Steven Knight centres on the family behind the Guinness brewing company in 19th century Ireland and New York, and the consequences following the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery, and the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne and Ben.
Where was House of Guinness filmed?
'We filmed in a private chapel – one of only three in the UK,' Kirwan said in an interview with RTE. 'It's breathtaking. I imagine any history buff would be salivating while walking around. And that's just one location. I feel really privileged. I hope when audiences watch the show, they see the detail, care and love that's gone into everything, not just the acting.
'The lighting, direction, music, costume, sets, it should be a visual treat – and an educational one, too. There's so much about the Guinness family that I never knew. It's been exciting to be part of it.'
Where can I watch House of Guinness?
The entire series is now available to stream on Netflix. If you want to find out more about how the modern day Guinness' feel about the series, read Grazia's recent interview with Daphne Guinness, who calls the name 'a blessing and a curse'.
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).