For fans of Shane MacGowan, the legendary singer-songwriter and frontman of The Pogues, there’s a new way to experience the landscapes that shaped his voice and his songs: the Unravelling Shane McGowan Tour, a cultural trail through the places in County Tipperary that inspired him. 

Although Shane was born in England, his roots were firmly planted along the tranquil boreens and riverbanks of rural Ireland. Much of his childhood was spent in the area around Borrisokane and Kilbarron, villages nestled close to the broad sweep of Lough Derg and the mighty River Shannon. These landscapes stayed with him throughout his life and found expression in his lyrics and music. 

The Unravelling tour was launched in 2025 at the Broad Majestic Shannon Festival in Kilbarron, with the support of Shane’s sister, Siobhán MacGowan, his widow Victoria Mary Clarke, and local tourism bodies. At its heart is a beautifully crafted brochure and route map that guides visitors through a series of poignant stops, from small hamlets where Shane ran wild as a boy to the spots immortalised in his songs. 

Whether you’re cycling the route, following the downloadable guide at your own pace, or simply reflecting by the riverbank, the Unravelling Shane McGowan Tour offers a deeply personal window into the landscapes that nourished one of Ireland’s greatest musical voices.