The 2021 Journal of the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society features an article about the archaeological discoveries made in advance of the construction of the N70 Kilderry Bends Road Improvement Scheme, just west of Milltown in County Kerry.
Kerri Cleary, Ed Lyne and John Olney begin by detailing an important cluster of pits in the townland of Kilcolman that suggest Neolithic farmers were occupying the area sometime between c. 3650–3350 BC. This included leaving behind charred hazelnuts, a rubbing/hammer stone, two sherds of carinated bowl pottery and a stone bead. Just over 300 m to the north-east of this site, additional prehistoric occupation was evidenced by a burnt mound (also known as fulacht fia) dated to the Middle Bronze Age.
This is followed by a summary of the excavations undertaken at a multivallate ringfort (RMP KE047-054) known as Lissaniska (Lios an Uisce—fort of the water). This work focused on the northern portion of the enclosing elements (ditches and banks), revealing evidence for water management practices and several well-preserved wood vessels, as well as evidence for likely flax retting within the inner ditch. Radiocarbon dating suggests the site was established by the late seventh or early eighth century AD and continued in use potentially until the eleventh century.
Additional sites detailed in the article include late medieval charcoal-production pits in the townlands of Kilderry South and Knockagarrane and features relating to the 17th/18th-century occupation of Kilcoleman Demesne, including the remains of a small cottage and landscaped features.