What happens when two of the biggest names in music embark on a road trip in Ireland? A film that captures adventure, friendship, storytelling and non-stop laughter.
This autumn Guinness proudly presents Niall Horan’s Homecoming: The Road to Mullingar with Lewis Capaldi. Three days, two globally recognised musicians, one incredible road trip documented in an episode filled with fun, friendship and laughter. All inspired by Horan’s desire to revisit and reconnect with all that he loves of home; to retrace the origins of the exciting life journey he’s on and experience the reality of Ireland today, alongside his best friend.
The boys’ journey started in Belfast and saw them meet Northern Ireland-based guitar maker, George Lowden, who has made guitars for some of the world’s top musicians including Ed Sheeran. Having used Lowden’s guitars for years and meeting at many of his shows, Niall admitted that he had never visited the skilled luthier’s workshop in Co. Down. “He’s a legend”, says Niall after seeing first-hand how Lowden has honed his craft.
And like many an Irish host, on their journey Niall takes his Scottish visitor to the home of the black stuff, the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Across the seven floors of this iconic building, a resident beer specialist takes them behind the scenes of the story, scents, and of course taste, of the world’s most famous stout. Overlooking the panoramic view of the city from Gravity Bar, they learn how to pull a pint of beautiful Guinness and officially become certified pint pouring experts.
From visiting St James Gate brewery, they explored the culturally emerging area of the Liberties, and found themselves amongst the after-work crowds and visiting tourists on Dublin’s busy Grafton Street, who were highly entertained when Lewis and Niall performed an impromptu set with local busker Jacob Koopman. The talented duo sang their own songs during the spontaneous music session, with Niall treating the audience to a performance of hit song ‘Slow Hands’.
Despite leaving home and achieving international superstardom at a young age, Niall’s connection to his homeland has never been dimmed. “I feel like I’ve never left,” says Horan happily as he sips on a pint of Guinness in Clarke’s, a pub in Mullingar that he has fond memories of. “Every time I come home, I’m just blown away by the creativity here. Not in a Hollywood way, it's real authentic talent, people going out there and doing it for the pure love of the craft.”
Niall shares how he first connected with Lewis over social media after being introduced to his music by his cousin. Their friendship began when the ‘Nice To Meet Ya’ singer invited the Scotsman to open for him during his 2018 ‘Flicker’ tour in Lewis’ hometown of Glasgow. This gave Lewis a huge boost in his career and marked the beginning of Lewis’ own path to stardom. Speaking about the early stages of their friendship, Niall shares "It was St. Patrick's Day, we had a couple of Guinness. Seriously, he is the funniest person I know, when you’re with Lewis you never quite know where a night will go, but you’re guaranteed a good time.”
With music a shared passion for Niall and Lewis, along with a mutual love of Guinness, it feels fitting that a visit home should end with an intimate performance in Niall’s local Clarke’s Bar, Mullingar.
The film tells a story of friendship and talent while celebrating modern Irish culture through the lens of two global superstars who have an authentic connection to Ireland. Both Niall and Lewis not only embody the values of camaraderie and friendship, but as two global icons grounded in their roots, they never sway away from where they started from.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video from Friday 21st October. Homecoming is a celebration of what it’s like to live in an Ireland simmering with optimistic energy, possibility, momentum, endless inspiration and…chicken fillet rolls.
This autumn, you’re invited to sit back with a Guinness and come home with Niall Horan & Lewis Capaldi.
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