2017:694 - Kilcolman, Co. Kerry, Kerry

This report details the results of the archaeological assessment by means of test-trenching of part of the proposed N70 Kilderry Bends Improvement Scheme, specifically in the townland of Kilcolman, Co. Kerry in the vicinity of recorded monument KE047-054 (ringfort) (Figure 1). The test trenching was carried out by a team working under the supervision of Ian R. Russell in accordance with Licence No. 17E0328 issued by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland. The testing took place during September 2017.

The road scheme consists of the realignment of approximately 3.5kms of the N70 road between Milltown and Killorglin, Co. Kerry. The realignment links to the existing N70 on the western edge of Milltown and then heads west towards Killorglin. The first part of the realignment runs to the south of the existing road, it then ascends south-west crossing Kilderry Woods before descending into the Maine Valley at Kilderry North and South where it re-joins the existing N70 immediately south of Tinnahally Cross.
The landscape located along the route of the N70 Kilderry Bends Improvement Scheme has been subject to human development and settlement since prehistoric times. The monuments listed in the Record of Monuments & Places (RMP) and the nature of previously identified archaeological sites clearly demonstrate that the surrounding landscape is made up of different periods of both historic and prehistoric activity and the features within the modern landscape serve as reminders and indicators of past land use practices and cultural changes.
This report details the mechanical excavation of 22 test trenches (c. 1045 linear metres) and three hand-excavated trenches (20 m) in the townland of Kilcolman, in the vicinity of recorded monument KE047-054 ‘Lissaniska’, which consists of a trivallate ringfort. This work was carried out under licence no. 17E0328.
The mechanical test trenching of the remainder of the route was carried out over 29 Greenfield areas under Licence Number 17E0442. The combined testing resulted in a total excavated area for the scheme of 16,858 sq. metres amounting to 13.75% of the scheme. The results of these works are detailed in a separate report (Russell & Olney, forthcoming).

This site at Kilcolman will be adversely impacted upon by the proposed development as a portion of the periphery of the ringfort lies within the lands made available for the construction of the road scheme. Construction works on site will therefore result in the removal of part of the monument. The purpose of test trenching in the vicinity of the ringfort was therefore to assess the depth and extent of surviving archaeology within the CPO, to assess the level of preservation, and ascertain the scale of the excavation to follow. In particular, three hand-excavated trenches targeted the ditches and any surviving remnants of the banks of the ringfort specifically.

The site at Kilcolman (KE047-054, ‘Lissaniska’) will be adversely impacted upon by the proposed development as it lies within the lands made available for the construction of the road scheme. Construction works on site will therefore result in the total removal of part of this site. Full excavation of the part of the ringfort affected by the upcoming road development sites as defined by the Stage (i) testing is recommended as part of the Stage (iii) works.

Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit, 21 Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, County Louth