Unravelling Shane: The Shane MacGowan Tour, a new guide to the places in Tipperary that inspired the life and lyrics of the late Pogues singer has been launched by his sister Siobhan and Shane's widow Victoria Mary Clarke.
The tour has been created in response to the worldwide influx of visitors to Nenagh, Lough Derg and surrounding areas since MacGowan’s death in November 2023 at the age of 65
Siobhan and Victoria, along with Tipperary County Council and Discover Lough Derg, devised the tour and it will visit the locations in The Premier County that Shane held dear and immortalised in his songs.
Plans are also underway to open up Carney cottage, the house where Shane grew up with Siobhan and their parents Therese and Maurice.
A brochure to accompany the tour features family photos, Shane’s childhood sketches, snippets of unseen notes, and a map outlining why each location was so special to the singer.
Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment, Ms MacGowan said, "This is three-phase project, the second phase being to introduce an interactive/digital element with soundtrack of lyrics which mention the places featured on the map and plaques erected with the lyrics at those sites.
"And eventually, hopefully, the opening of the famous old Carney cottage of music, songs and stories that had such an effect on the young Shane, his future work, and featured in many books and films."
The new brochure, which can be downloaded here, was launched at last weekend’s Broad Majestic Shannon Festival in Tipperary.
"Shane being celebrated in his native Tipperary would be like winning ten Oscars for him." said Victoria Mary Clarke.
Siobhan MacGowan said Shane had 'always wanted to put this beloved Shannon area on the map and now he truly has.’
A physical copy of the brochure can be obtained by emailing Nenagh Tourist Office at nenaghtouristoffice@tipperarycoco.ie.
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