Shay Elliott Memorial

The memorial is small and unshowy, often left with ribbons and flowers, backed by wooded hills that fall away into the valleys. Views from the pass and along the road are the main draw, and the climb up from Drumgoff gives the place its cycling context. Be honest with your expectations: this is a brief, low key stop rather than a built up attraction.

You can simply pull in, read the stone and move on. If you want more, there is a nearby car park, picnic site, walking trails and a trail map, with two waymarked options:

A longer local walk also starts from the nearby car park, roughly 8.13 km with 201 m of ascent and a maximum elevation of 528 m.

• White waymarked Mountain Access Route: 850 m, about 20 minutes, easy, through forest to open mountain.
• Blue waymarked Ballybraid/Ballyboy Viewpoint trail: 1 km, about 1 hour, moderate, climbing to an open knoll with views of Cullentragh, Mullacor and Cloghernagh.

Walking guidance recommends waterproof clothing, strong shoes or boots, a drink, and a map and compass, sensible advice for exposed ground at this height. Bring water with you. Note too that access beyond the managed forest estate is not guaranteed, so plan routes accordingly. The surroundings are relatively quiet, and after nightfall the dark skies are a genuine bonus if you linger. Secure your car before leaving it at the car park.

The road you are standing on was built after the 1798 rebellion, constructed by soldiers returning from colonial wars in North America to maintain military access and order among the rebellious Wicklow clans. Remains of a blockhouse can still be seen at Drumgoff Crossroads, which pairs well with the memorial if you are making a loop of the area.