Shay Elliot
Overview
This area offers many opportunities to access the forests and mountains of the beautiful Glenmalure valley and the surrounding mountains including the mountain area of Mullacor in Wicklow Mountains National Park. The car park is located close to a memorial to the legendary Irish Cyclist, Shay Elliot at the finish line of a King of the Mountains section coming up from Drumgoff.
The site has historical links located as it is on the Military Road built in the aftermath of the 1798 rebellion to maintain order amongst the rebellious Wicklow clans. The road was built by soldiers returning from Colonial Wars in North America and the remains of one of their forts/blockhouses can be seen at Drumgoff Crossroads.
From here you can take a gentle stroll on forest roads and newly constructed walking trails to the Ballybraid Viewpoint or access into Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Things to do
Ballybraid / Ballyboy Viewpoint
Trail description
Starting at the Shay Elliot car park, the trail follows forest roads and walking trails in a westerly direction to an open knoll, the Ballybraid Viewpoint. From here the walker has splendid views over Cullentragh and Mullacor to the North and West and Cloghernagh to the South which guards the North Eastern approaches to Lugnaquilla one of only a handful of Irish Monroes (mountains over 3,000 feet).
Warning! When venturing into the hills visitors are advised to be equipped with waterproof clothing, strong shoes or boots, a drink, map and compass.
Ballybraid / Ballyboy Viewpoint (1km, 1hr, Moderate)
Start Point: Shay Elliot car parkLength:1kmTime: 1hrDegree of Difficulty: Moderate 30Attributes: Linear Trail (Point A to B)Finish Point: Ballybraid / Ballyboy ViewpointTrail Way marking:blue
Mountain Access Route Shay Elliot
Trail description
This is an access route (waymarked white) through the forest to the open mountain. When venturing into the hills, visitors are advised to be equipped with waterproof clothing, strong shoes, a drink and a map and compass - which they know how to use!
Coillte does not guarantee access to the lands beyond its estate.
Mountain Access Route (850m, 20 mins, Easy) White (Linear Trail A – B)