House of Guinness Irish subtitles ‘step in right direction’ for language

Irish language subtitles being used on Netflix is “positive,” and a “step in the right direction,” speakers of the language have said.

Netflix announced that Irish subtitles will be used on its new series House of Guinness, the first time they have been included on one of its titles.

The drama tells the story of the wealthy, powerful, and eccentric Guinness family and the hugely successful brewery business that the family has controlled for over five generations.

Netflix said the addition was part of Netflix’s ongoing commitment to Irish members and the country’s creative sector.

Linda Ervine is manager of Turas, an Irish language project in east Belfast and said that the move was “very positive”.

“It is symbolic of the growth and demand for the language.”

“For me it is a lovely thing,” she added.

“It shows that the language continues to grow and become more popular.”

Ms Ervine said that it is good to have “the choice” between listening in English and following along in Irish.

Póilín Nic Géidigh, a broadcaster and Irish language speaker from County Donegal, told BBC News NI that the move is “a good step in the right direction”,

She said “hopefully others” will make the move in the future.

“It draws attention to our culture and our language,” she said.

She added that the move is “crucial to activists, campaigners and speakers like myself”.

Mary Delargy from Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, an Irish language cultural organisation in County Londonderry, said she is “absolutely delighted, as I think every other Irish speaker will be” by the move.

Ms Delargy said: “It’s actually a recognition of the power of the language and the importance of the language.”

She said while she was growing up she was made to feel that it was a “minority language” but the move by “a very big organisation like Netflix” will show the “recognition of the importance of it, of the significance of it right across”.

She added that people across the world will “see that there is another language that we speak that’s part of our heritage, part of our culture and an important part of who we are.

“We may be a small country, but our culture is very important worldwide.”

Steven Knight, creator of House of Guinness, said he was pleased.

“The Irish language is such a vital part of the country’s culture and identity, and making the series accessible in this way allows us to celebrate that heritage and reach those viewers who prefer to watch as gaeilge,” he told BBC News NI.

A statement from the streaming service added: “An incredible array of Irish actors brings the show to life, and to mark the telling of a story so deeply rooted in Irish history, Netflix has made the series accessible to those viewers who would rather watch alongside Irish-language subtitles.

“Some of Netflix’s most popular productions, including the global hit Wednesday, Vikings: Valhalla and the upcoming series, Grown Ups, were filmed extensively in Ireland.”

House of Guinness explores an epic story inspired by one of Europe’s most famous and enduring dynasties – the Guinness Family.

Set in 19th Century Dublin and New York, the story begins immediately after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery, and the far-reaching impact of his will on the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben.

The show also focuses on a group of Dublin characters who work and interact with the phenomenon that is Guinness.

It stars west Belfast actor Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness and Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn and Fionn O’Shea as members of the Guinness family.