List of High Kings of Ireland
Encyclopedia
Medieval Irish historical tradition held that Ireland had been ruled by an Ard Rí
or High King
since ancient times, and compilations like the Lebor Gabála Érenn
, followed by early modern works like the Annals of the Four Masters
and Geoffrey Keating
's Foras Feasa ar Éirinn, purported to trace the line of High Kings. The corpus of early Irish law does not support the existence of such an institution, and scholars now believe it is a pseudohistorical construct of the eighth century AD, a projection into the distant past of a political entity that did not become reality until Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid in the ninth century. The traditional list of High Kings of Ireland is thus a mixture of fact, legend, fiction, and propaganda
. The individuals appearing prior to the fifth century AD are generally considered legendary, and the application of the title to individuals before the ninth century is considered anachronistic.
The annalists frequently describe later high kings as rígh Érenn co fressabra ("Kings of Ireland with Opposition"), which is a reference to the instability of the kingship of Tara from the death of Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill
in 1022. Máel Sechnaill had been overthrown by Brian Boru
in 1002, and restored in 1014 following Brian's death, but the example of Brian's coup was followed by numerous other families in the century following 1022, and the High Kingship was effectively ended by the Norman quasi-conquest of Ireland in 1171.
experiences a vision of the kings who will succeed him. Many of these kings appear to correspond with the kings of later traditions, although the order is different, and some of the kings cannot be identified. The last four kings following Snechta Fína (Fínsnechta Fledach
) do not correspond with any of the kings in later lists. The poem is therefore presumed to have been written during his time, and the kings who follow him are presumed to be fictional.
With few exceptions, kings belong to Dál Cuinn (the Connachta
and Uí Néill
). Understood as a list of Kings of Tara
, it is not considered to be inclusive. A number of well known kings from the Laigin
, Érainn, Ulaid
, and Cruthin
, are missing. The chief rivals of Dál Cuinn at the time of Conn's supposed floruit were the Dáirine
, alias Corcu Loígde
, two of whom are listed, but whose overkingdom in the south of Ireland collapsed in the 7th century. They would be replaced by the Eóganachta
, who established the Kingship of Cashel, later to rival Tara.
, dating to the 11th-12th century, purports to list every High King from remote antiquity to the time of Henry II
's Lordship of Ireland in 1171. The High Kingship is established by the Fir Bolg
, and their nine kings are succeeded by a sequence of nine kings of the Tuatha Dé Danann
, most if not all of whom are considered euhemerised deities
. After the Milesian
(Gaelic) conquest the High Kingship is contested for centuries between the descendants of Eber Finn
and Érimón, sons of Míl Espáine
. The original compilation stopped at the reign of Tuathal Techtmar. The kings of the Goidelic dynasties established by Tuathal were added by other editors. Later editions of the Lebor Gabála tried to synchronise its chronology with dateable kings of Assyria
, Persia, and Ptolemaic Egypt
and Roman emperor
s.
Early modern works like the Annals of the Four Masters
and Geoffrey Keating
's Foras Feasa ar Éirinn continued this tradition based on later Irish annals
. Keating's chronology, based on reign lengths, is longer than the synchronised chronology of the Lebor Gabála, and the Four Masters chronology is even longer.
FFE: chronology based on reign-lengths given in Geoffrey Keating
's Forus Feasa ar Erinn.
AFM: chronology from the Annals of the Four Masters
.
Rí
Rí, or very commonly ríg , is an ancient Gaelic word meaning "King". It is used in historical texts referring to the Irish and Scottish kings and those of similar rank. While the modern Irish word is exactly the same, in modern Scottish it is Rìgh, apparently derived from the genitive. The word...
or High King
High King of Ireland
The High Kings of Ireland were sometimes historical and sometimes legendary figures who had, or who are claimed to have had, lordship over the whole of Ireland. Medieval and early modern Irish literature portrays an almost unbroken sequence of High Kings, ruling from Tara over a hierarchy of...
since ancient times, and compilations like the Lebor Gabála Érenn
Lebor Gabála Érenn
Lebor Gabála Érenn is the Middle Irish title of a loose collection of poems and prose narratives recounting the mythical origins and history of the Irish from the creation of the world down to the Middle Ages...
, followed by early modern works like the Annals of the Four Masters
Annals of the Four Masters
The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
and Geoffrey Keating
Geoffrey Keating
Seathrún Céitinn, known in English as Geoffrey Keating, was a 17th century Irish Roman Catholic priest, poet and historian. He was born in County Tipperary c. 1569, and died c. 1644...
's Foras Feasa ar Éirinn, purported to trace the line of High Kings. The corpus of early Irish law does not support the existence of such an institution, and scholars now believe it is a pseudohistorical construct of the eighth century AD, a projection into the distant past of a political entity that did not become reality until Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid in the ninth century. The traditional list of High Kings of Ireland is thus a mixture of fact, legend, fiction, and propaganda
Propaganda
Propaganda is a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position so as to benefit oneself or one's group....
. The individuals appearing prior to the fifth century AD are generally considered legendary, and the application of the title to individuals before the ninth century is considered anachronistic.
The annalists frequently describe later high kings as rígh Érenn co fressabra ("Kings of Ireland with Opposition"), which is a reference to the instability of the kingship of Tara from the death of Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill
Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill
Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill , also called Máel Sechnaill Mór, Máel Sechnaill II, anglicized Malachy II, was King of Mide and High King of Ireland...
in 1022. Máel Sechnaill had been overthrown by Brian Boru
Brian Boru
Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig, , , was an Irish king who ended the domination of the High Kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. Building on the achievements of his father, Cennétig mac Lorcain, and especially his elder brother, Mathgamain, Brian first made himself King of Munster, then subjugated...
in 1002, and restored in 1014 following Brian's death, but the example of Brian's coup was followed by numerous other families in the century following 1022, and the High Kingship was effectively ended by the Norman quasi-conquest of Ireland in 1171.
Kings in the Baile Chuind
The earliest surviving list appears in the Baile Chuind (The Ecstasy of Conn) a late seventh century poem in which Conn of the Hundred BattlesConn of the Hundred Battles
Conn Cétchathach , son of Fedlimid Rechtmar, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland, and the ancestor of the Connachta, and, through his descendant Niall Noígiallach, the Uí Néill dynasties, which dominated Ireland in the early middle ages, and...
experiences a vision of the kings who will succeed him. Many of these kings appear to correspond with the kings of later traditions, although the order is different, and some of the kings cannot be identified. The last four kings following Snechta Fína (Fínsnechta Fledach
Fínsnechta Fledach
Fínsnechta Fledach mac Dúnchada was High King of Ireland. Fínsnechta belonged to the southern Síl nÁedo Sláine sept of the Uí Néill and was King of Brega, in modern County Meath, Ireland. He was a grandson of Áed Sláine. His father Dúnchad had died in 659...
) do not correspond with any of the kings in later lists. The poem is therefore presumed to have been written during his time, and the kings who follow him are presumed to be fictional.
With few exceptions, kings belong to Dál Cuinn (the Connachta
Connachta
The Connachta are a group of medieval Irish dynasties who claimed descent from the legendary High King Conn Cétchathach...
and Uí Néill
Uí Néill
The Uí Néill are Irish and Scottish dynasties who claim descent from Niall Noigiallach , an historical King of Tara who died about 405....
). Understood as a list of Kings of Tara
Kings of Tara
The term King of Tara was a title of authority in ancient Ireland. The position was considered an eminent authority in medieval Irish literature and mythology, though national kingship was never a historical reality in early Ireland....
, it is not considered to be inclusive. A number of well known kings from the Laigin
Laigin
The Laigin, modern spelling Laighin , were a population group of early Ireland who gave their name to the province of Leinster...
, Érainn, Ulaid
Ulaid
The Ulaid or Ulaidh were a people of early Ireland who gave their name to the modern province of Ulster...
, and Cruthin
Cruthin
The Cruthin were a people of early Ireland, who occupied parts of Counties Down, Antrim and Londonderry in the early medieval period....
, are missing. The chief rivals of Dál Cuinn at the time of Conn's supposed floruit were the Dáirine
Dáirine
The Dáirine , later known dynastically as the Corcu Loígde, were the proto-historical rulers of Munster before the rise of the Eóganachta in the 7th century AD. They appear to have derived from the Darini of Ptolemy and to have been related to the Ulaid and Dál Riata of Ulster and Scotland...
, alias Corcu Loígde
Corcu Loígde
The Corcu Loígde , meaning Gens of the Calf Goddess, also called the Síl Lugdach meic Itha, were a kingdom centered in West County Cork who descended from the proto-historical rulers of Munster, the Dáirine, of whom they were the principal royal sept...
, two of whom are listed, but whose overkingdom in the south of Ireland collapsed in the 7th century. They would be replaced by the Eóganachta
Eóganachta
The Eóganachta or Eoghanachta were an Irish dynasty centred around Cashel which dominated southern Ireland from the 6/7th to the 10th centuries, and following that, in a restricted form, the Kingdom of Desmond, and its offshoot Carbery, well into the 16th century...
, who established the Kingship of Cashel, later to rival Tara.
| Name | Presumed identity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Not named | Conn Cétchathach | The list recounts Conn's vision of the kings who will follow him |
| Art | Art mac Cuinn Art mac Cuinn Art mac Cuinn , also known as Art Óenfer , was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland.... |
Dál Cuinn |
| Mac Con moccu Lugde Loígde | Lugaid Mac Con Lugaid mac Con Lugaid Mac Con, often known simply as Mac Con, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He belonged to the Corcu Loígde, and thus to the Dáirine. His father was Macnia mac Lugdach, and his mother was Sadb ingen Chuinn, daughter of the former High... |
Dáirine |
| Corbmac | Cormac mac Airt Cormac mac Airt Cormac mac Airt , also known as Cormac ua Cuinn or Cormac Ulfada , was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... |
Dál Cuinn |
| Corpre | Cairbre Lifechair Cairbre Lifechair Cairbre Lifechair , son of Cormac mac Airt, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to the throne after the death of Eochaid Gonnat... |
Dál Cuinn |
| Fiechri | Fiachrae Cássan | Cruthin and/or Airgialla Airgíalla Airgíalla or Airgialla was the name of an Irish federation and Irish kingdom which first formed around the 7th century... ? |
| Dáire Drechlethan Dáire Drechlethan Dáire Drechlethan "Dáire of the Broad Face" is a King of Tara listed in the Old Irish Baile Chuinn Chétchathaig. His identity with any king of Tara from Irish legend remains uncertain because his epithet is unique in the surviving corpus.... |
probably Dáire Doimthech Dáire Doimthech Dáire Doimthech, alias Dáire Sírchréchtach, son of Sithbolg, was a legendary King of Tara and High King of Ireland, and eponymous ancestor of the proto-historical Dáirine and historical Corcu Loígde of Munster. A son of his was Lugaid Loígde , an ancestor of Lugaid Mac Con... |
Dáirine, but precedes Conn Cétchathach, so misplaced |
| Fécho | Fíacha Sroiptine? | Dál Cuinn |
| Muiredach Tirech | Muiredach Tírech Muiredach Tirech Muiredach Tirech, son of Fiacha Sraibhtine, was a legendary High King of Ireland of the fourth century. He gained power by exiling the three Collas, who had killed his father. The Collas later returned and tried to provoke him into trying to kill them. When he didn't, they entered his service and... |
Dál Cuinn |
| Crimthand | Crimthann mac Fidaig Crimthann mac Fidaig Crimthann Mór, son of Fidach , also written Crimthand Mór, was a semi-mythological king of Munster and High King of Ireland of the 4th century. He gained territory in Britain and Gaul, but died poisoned by his sister Mongfind. It is possible that he was also recognized as king of Scotland or Alba... |
Eóganachta, or possibly Érainn (Dáirine?) |
| Níell | Niall Noígíallach | Dál Cuinn |
| Loígaire | Lóegaire mac Néill Lóegaire mac Néill Lóegaire , also Lóeguire, is said to have been a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. The Irish annals and king lists include him as a King of Tara or High King of Ireland. He appears as an adversary of Saint Patrick in several hagiographies... |
Dál Cuinn/Uí Néill |
| Corpri | Coirpre mac Néill Coirpre mac Néill Coirpre mac Néill . , also Cairbre or Cairpre, was said to be a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Coirpre was perhaps the leader of the conquests that established the southern Uí Néill in the midlands of Ireland. The record of the Irish annals suggests that Coirpre's successes were reattributed to... (d. circa 463) |
Dál Cuinn/Uí Néill |
| Ailill | Ailill Molt Ailill Molt Ailill mac Nath Í , called Ailill Molt, is included in most lists of the High Kings of Ireland and is also called King of Connacht. His cognomen, molt, means "ram" but its origin is unknown.... (d. 482) |
Connachta/Uí Fiachrach Uí Fiachrach The Uí Fiachrach were a dynasty who originated in, and whose descendants later ruled, the coicead or fifth of Connacht at different times from the mid-first millennium onwards. They claimed descent from Fiachrae, an older half-brother of Niall Noigiallach or Niall of the Nine Hostages... |
| Lugid | Lugaid mac Lóegairi (d. circa 507) | Uí Néill |
| Mac Ercéni | Muirchertach mac Ercae (d. circa 536) | Uí Néill/Cenél nEógain Cenél nEógain Cenél nEóġain is the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Eógan mac Néill , son of Niall Noígiallach who founded the kingdom of Tír Eoghain in the 5th century... |
| Óengarb | Túathal Máelgarb Tuathal Maelgarb Túathal mac Cormaic , called Túathal Máelgarb, was said to be a grandson of Coirpre mac Néill. He was High King of Ireland. In the earliest accounts he appears to have been regarded as the man who completed the conquest of what would later be Brega for the descendants of Niall of the Nine... (d. circa 544) |
Uí Néill |
| Aíd | probably Áed mac Ainmuirech Áed mac Ainmuirech Áed mac Ainmuirech was high-king of the Northern Uí Néill. He belonged to the Cenél Conaill and was a distant cousin of Columba of Iona. He was the son of Ainmuire mac Sétnai , a previous possible high king.... (d. 598) |
Uí Néill/Cenél Conaill Cenél Conaill The Cenél Conaill is the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Conall Gulban, son of Niall Noígiallach defined by oral and recorded history. They were also known in Scotland as the Kindred of Saint Columba.... ; seemingly misplaced chronologically |
| Aíd Olláin | probably Áed Uaridnach Áed Uaridnach Áed Uaridnach was an Irish king who was High King of Ireland. He is sometimes also known as Áed Allán, a name most commonly used for the 8th century king of the same name, this Áed's great-great-grandson.... (d. 612) |
Uí Néill/Cenél nEógain; seemingly misplaced chronologically |
| Diermait | Diarmait mac Cerbaill Diarmait mac Cerbaill Diarmait mac Cerbaill was King of Tara or High King of Ireland. According to traditions, he was the last High King to follow the pagan rituals of inauguration, the ban-feis or marriage to goddess of the land.... (d. circa 565) |
Uí Néill? Origins obscure. |
| Feáchno | Fiachnae mac Báetáin Fiachnae mac Báetáin Fiachnae mac Báetáin , also called Fiachnae Lurgan or Fiachnae Find, was king of the Dál nAraidi and high-king of the Ulaid in the early 7th century. He was a son of Báetán mac Echdach and brother of Fiachra Cáech Fiachnae mac Báetáin (died 626), also called Fiachnae Lurgan or Fiachnae Find, was... (d. 626), or perhaps Fiachnae mac Feradaig, father of Suibne Menn |
Cruthin/Dál nAraidi Dál nAraidi Dál nAraidi was a kingdom of the Cruthin in the north-east of Ireland in the first millennium. The lands of the Dál nAraidi appear to correspond with the Robogdii of Ptolemy's Geographia, a region shared with Dál Riata... , or Uí Néill/Cenél nEógain |
| Suibne | Suibne Menn Suibne Menn Suibne Menn was an Irish king who is counted as a High King of Ireland.Suibne belonged to the junior branch of the Cenél nEógain kindred of the northern Uí Néill, the Cenél Feredaig, named for his grandfather Feredach, a great-grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages... (d. 628) |
Uí Néill/Cenél nEógain |
| Domnall | Domnall mac Áedo Domnall mac Áedo Domnall mac Áedo , also known as Domnall II, was a son of Áed mac Ainmuirech. Domnall was High King of Ireland from 628 until his death. He belonged to the Cenél Conaill kindred of the northern Uí Néill.... (d. circa 642) |
Uí Néill/Cenél Conaill |
| Blathmac and Diarmaid grandson of the other one | Blathmac mac Áedo Sláine Blathmac mac Áedo Sláine Blathmac was a son of Áed Sláine. According to the Irish annals he was High King of Ireland.-Sons of Áed Sláine:Blathmac's father Áed Sláine was a son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill, the apical ancestor of the southern branches of the Uí Néill kindred which dominated Ireland from the late 6th century... & Diarmait mac Áedo Sláine Diarmait mac Áedo Sláine Diarmait was a son of Áed Sláine. According to the Irish annals he was High King of Ireland.-Sons of Áed Sláine:Diarmait's father Áed Sláine was a son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill, the apical ancestor of the southern branches of the Uí Néill kindred which dominated Ireland from the late 6th century... (both d. 665) |
Southern Uí Néill |
| Snechta Fína | Fínsnechta Fledach Fínsnechta Fledach Fínsnechta Fledach mac Dúnchada was High King of Ireland. Fínsnechta belonged to the southern Síl nÁedo Sláine sept of the Uí Néill and was King of Brega, in modern County Meath, Ireland. He was a grandson of Áed Sláine. His father Dúnchad had died in 659... (d. circa 695) |
Uí Néill/Síl nÁedo Sláine Síl nÁedo Sláine Síl nÁedo Sláine is the name of the descendants of Áed Sláine , son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Part of the Southern Uí Néill—they were the kings of Brega—they claimed descent from Niall Noígiallach and his son Conall Cremthainne.... |
Synthetic lists
The Lebor Gabála ÉrennLebor Gabála Érenn
Lebor Gabála Érenn is the Middle Irish title of a loose collection of poems and prose narratives recounting the mythical origins and history of the Irish from the creation of the world down to the Middle Ages...
, dating to the 11th-12th century, purports to list every High King from remote antiquity to the time of Henry II
Henry II of England
Henry II ruled as King of England , Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Count of Nantes, Lord of Ireland and, at various times, controlled parts of Wales, Scotland and western France. Henry, the great-grandson of William the Conqueror, was the...
's Lordship of Ireland in 1171. The High Kingship is established by the Fir Bolg
Fir Bolg
In Irish mythology the Fir Bolg were one of the races that inhabited the island of Ireland prior to the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann.-Mythology:...
, and their nine kings are succeeded by a sequence of nine kings of the Tuatha Dé Danann
Tuatha Dé Danann
The Tuatha Dé Danann are a race of people in Irish mythology. In the invasions tradition which begins with the Lebor Gabála Érenn, they are the fifth group to settle Ireland, conquering the island from the Fir Bolg....
, most if not all of whom are considered euhemerised deities
Deity
A deity is a recognized preternatural or supernatural immortal being, who may be thought of as holy, divine, or sacred, held in high regard, and respected by believers....
. After the Milesian
Milesians (Irish)
Milesians are a people figuring in Irish mythology. The descendants of Míl Espáine, they were the final inhabitants of Ireland, and were believed to represent the Goidelic Celts.-Myth:...
(Gaelic) conquest the High Kingship is contested for centuries between the descendants of Eber Finn
Eber Finn
Éber Finn , son of Míl Espáine, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland and one of the founders of the Milesian lineage, to which medieval genealogists traced all the important Gaelic royal lines.According to the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the ancestors of...
and Érimón, sons of Míl Espáine
Míl Espáine
In Irish origin legends, Míl Espáine or Míl Espáne is the ancestor of the final inhabitants of Ireland, the "sons of Míl" or Milesians, who represent the vast majority of the Irish Gaels....
. The original compilation stopped at the reign of Tuathal Techtmar. The kings of the Goidelic dynasties established by Tuathal were added by other editors. Later editions of the Lebor Gabála tried to synchronise its chronology with dateable kings of Assyria
Assyria
Assyria was a Semitic Akkadian kingdom, extant as a nation state from the mid–23rd century BC to 608 BC centred on the Upper Tigris river, in northern Mesopotamia , that came to rule regional empires a number of times through history. It was named for its original capital, the ancient city of Assur...
, Persia, and Ptolemaic Egypt
Ptolemaic dynasty
The Ptolemaic dynasty, was a Macedonian Greek royal family which ruled the Ptolemaic Empire in Egypt during the Hellenistic period. Their rule lasted for 275 years, from 305 BC to 30 BC...
and Roman emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
s.
Early modern works like the Annals of the Four Masters
Annals of the Four Masters
The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
and Geoffrey Keating
Geoffrey Keating
Seathrún Céitinn, known in English as Geoffrey Keating, was a 17th century Irish Roman Catholic priest, poet and historian. He was born in County Tipperary c. 1569, and died c. 1644...
's Foras Feasa ar Éirinn continued this tradition based on later Irish annals
Irish annals
A number of Irish annals were compiled up to and shortly after the end of Gaelic Ireland in the 17th century.Annals were originally a means by which monks determined the yearly chronology of feast days...
. Keating's chronology, based on reign lengths, is longer than the synchronised chronology of the Lebor Gabála, and the Four Masters chronology is even longer.
- LGE:
Lebor Gabála Érenn
Lebor Gabála Érenn is the Middle Irish title of a loose collection of poems and prose narratives recounting the mythical origins and history of the Irish from the creation of the world down to the Middle Ages...
Geoffrey Keating
Seathrún Céitinn, known in English as Geoffrey Keating, was a 17th century Irish Roman Catholic priest, poet and historian. He was born in County Tipperary c. 1569, and died c. 1644...
's Forus Feasa ar Erinn.
Annals of the Four Masters
The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
.
Fir Bolg High Kings
| LGE | FFE | AFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sláine Sláine mac Dela Sláine , son of Dela, of the Fir Bolg was the legendary first High King of Ireland. He reportedly came ashore at Wexford Harbour at the mouth of the River Slaney.... |
1514–1513 BC | 1934–1933 BC | |
| Rudraige mac Dela Rudraige mac Dela Rudraige , son of Dela, of the Fir Bolg was the legendary second High King of Ireland, succeeding his brother Sláine.... |
1513–1511 BC | 1933–1931 BC | |
| Gann Gann mac Dela Gann, son of Dela, of the Fir Bolg was a legendary joint High King of Ireland with his brother Genann, succeeding their brother Rudraige. His wife was Etar.When the Fir Bolg invaded Ireland the five sons of Dela divided the island amongst themselves... and Genann Genann Genann , son of Dela , of the Fir Bolg was a legendary joint High King of Ireland with his brother Gann, succeeding their brother Rudraige. His wife was Cnucha.... |
1511–1507 BC | 1931–1927 BC | |
| Sengann Sengann mac Dela Sengann , son of Dela, of the Fir Bolg, was a legendary High King of Ireland, succeeding his brothers Gann and Genann. His wife was Anust.... |
1507–1502 BC | 1927–1922 BC | |
| Fiacha Cennfinnán Fiacha Cennfinnán In Irish mythology Fiacha Cennfinnán , son of Starn, son of Rudraige, of the Fir Bolg, became High King of Ireland when he overthrew his great-uncle Sengann.... |
1502–1497 BC | 1922–1917 BC | |
| Rinnal Rinnal In Irish mythology, Rinnal son of Genann of the Fir Bolg became High King of Ireland when he overthrew Fiacha Cennfinnán. He is said to have been the first king in Ireland to use spearheads In Irish mythology, Rinnal (Rindal, Rionnal, Rinnan) son of Genann of the Fir Bolg became High King of... |
1497–1491 BC | 1917–1911 BC | |
| Fodbgen Fodbgen In Irish mythology Fodbgen or Odbgen son of Sengann of the Fir Bolg became High King of Ireland when he overthrew his cousin Rinnal son of Genann... |
1491–1487 BC | 1911–1907 BC | |
| Eochaid mac Eirc Eochaid mac Eirc In Irish mythology Eochaid , son of Erc, son of Rinnal, of the Fir Bolg became High King of Ireland when he overthrew Fodbgen. He was the first king to establish a system of justice in Ireland. No rain fell during his reign, only dew, and there was a harvest every year.His wife was Teia Tephi... |
1487–1477 BC | 1907–1897 BC |
Tuatha Dé Danann High Kings
| LGE | FFE | AFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bres Bres In Irish mythology, Bres was a king of the Tuatha Dé Danann. His parents were Prince Elatha of the Fomorians and Eri, daughter of Delbaith. He was an unpopular king, and favoured his Fomorian kin... |
1477-1470 BC | 1897-1890 BC | |
| Nuada Nuada In Irish mythology, Nuada or Nuadu , known by the epithet Airgetlám , was the first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann. He is cognate with the Gaulish and British god Nodens... |
1470-1447 BC | 1890-1870 BC | |
| Lugh Lugh Lug or Lugh is an Irish deity represented in mythological texts as a hero and High King of the distant past. He is known by the epithets Lámhfhada , for his skill with a spear or sling, Ildánach , Samhildánach , Lonnbeimnech and Macnia , and by the... |
1447-1407 BC | 1870-1830 BC | |
| Eochaid Ollathair The Dagda The Dagda is an important god of Irish mythology. The Dagda is a father-figure and a protector of the tribe. In some texts his father is Elatha, in others his mother is Ethniu. Other texts say that his mother is Danu; while others yet place him as the father of Danu, perhaps due to her... |
1407-1337 BC | 1830-1750 BC | |
| Delbáeth Delbáeth In Irish mythology Delbáeth was the son of either Aengus or Ogma of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and Ethniu of the Fomorians. He succeeded his grandfather Eochaid Ollathair, aka the Dagda, as High King of Ireland. He was the father, by Ernmas, of the three eponymous Irish goddesses Ériu, Banba and Fodla... |
1337-1327 BC | 1750-1740 BC | |
| Fiacha | 1327-1317 BC | 1740-1730 BC | |
| Mac Cuill Mac Cuill In Irish mythology, Mac Cuill of the Tuatha Dé Danann, was a son of Cermait, son of the Dagda. Mac Cuill's given name was Éthur and he was named Mac Cuill after his god, Coll, the hazel. His wife was Banba.... , Mac Cecht Mac Cecht In Irish mythology, Mac Cecht of the Tuatha Dé Danann was a son of Cermait, son of the Dagda. Mac Cecht's given name was Téthur and he was named Mac Cecht after his god, Cecht, the ploughshare. His wife was Fodla.... and Mac Gréine Mac Gréine In Irish mythology, Mac Gréine of the Tuatha Dé Danann was a son of Cermait, son of the Dagda. Mac Gréine's given name was Céthur and was named Mac Gréine after his god, Grian, the sun. Mac Gréine is Irish for "Son of the Sun". His wife was Ériu.... |
1317-1287 BC | 1730-1700 BC |
Milesian High Kings
| LGE | FFE | AFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eber Finn Eber Finn Éber Finn , son of Míl Espáine, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland and one of the founders of the Milesian lineage, to which medieval genealogists traced all the important Gaelic royal lines.According to the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the ancestors of... and Érimón |
1287-1286 BC | 1700 BC | |
| Érimón | 1286-1272 BC | 1700-1684 BC | |
| Muimne, Luigne and Laigne Muimne, Luigne and Laigne Muimne, Luigne and Laigne, sons of Érimón by his wife Odba, were, according to medieval Irish legends and historical traditions, joint High Kings of Ireland following the death of their father... |
1272-1269 BC | 1684-1681 BC | |
| Ér, Orba, Ferón and Fergna Ér, Orba, Ferón and Fergna Ér, Orba, Ferón and Fergna, sons of Éber Finn, were, according to medieval Irish legends and historical traditions, joint High Kings of Ireland for half a year after they killed their cousins Luigne and Laigne, sons of Érimón, in the Battle of Árd Ladrann. They were soon killed by Érimón's son... |
1269 BC | 1681 BC | |
| Íriel Fáid | 1269-1259 BC | 1681-1671 BC | |
| Ethriel | 1259-1239 BC | 1671-1651 BC | |
| Conmáel Conmael Conmáel, son of Éber Finn, according to medieval Irish legend and historical traditions, became High King of Ireland when he killed Ethriel, son of Íriel Fáid, in the Battle of Rairiu. He was the first Milesian High King to have been born in Ireland, and the first to have been based in Munster... |
1239-1209 BC | 1651-1621 BC | |
| Tigernmas Tigernmas Tigernmas, son of Follach, son of Ethriel, a descendant of Érimón, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical traditions, an early High King of Ireland... |
1209-1159 BC | 1621-1544 BC | |
| Interregnum Interregnum An interregnum is a period of discontinuity or "gap" in a government, organization, or social order... 1544-1537 BC |
|||
| Eochaid Étgudach Eochaid Étgudach Eochaid or Eochu Étgudach or Etgedach son of Dáire Doimthech, a descendant of Lugaid mac Ítha, nephew of Míl Espáine, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... |
1159-1155 BC | 1537-1533 BC | |
| Cermna Finn and Sobairce | 1155-1115 BC | 1533-1493 BC | |
| Eochaid Faebar Glas Eochaid Faebar Glas Eochaid Faebar Glas, son of Conmáel, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. His epithet means "blue-green sharp edge"... |
1115-1095 BC | 1493-1473 BC | |
| Fíachu Labrainne | 1095-1071 BC | 1473-1449 BC | |
| Eochu Mumu | 1071-1050 BC | 1449-1428 BC | |
| Óengus Olmucaid | 1050-1032 BC | 1428-1410 BC | |
| Énna Airgdech | 1032-1005 BC | 1410-1383 BC | |
| Rothechtaid mac Main Rothechtaid mac Main Rothechtaid, son of Maen, son of Óengus Olmucaid, was, according to according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to power by killing the previous incumbent, his grandfather's killer Énna Airgdech, in the battle of Raigne. He ruled for twenty-two... |
1005-980 BC | 1383-1358 BC | |
| Sétna Airt Sétna Airt Sétna Airt, son of Artrí, son of Éber, son of Ír, son of Míl Espáine, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to power after the death of the previous incumbent, Rothechtaid mac Main, whom, according to one version of the story, he had... |
980-975 BC | 1358-1353 BC | |
| Fíachu Fínscothach | 975-955 BC | 1353-1333 BC | |
| Muinemón | 955-950 BC | 1333-1328 BC | |
| Faildergdóit | 950-943 BC | 1328-1318 BC | |
| Ollom Fotla | 943-913 BC | 1318-1278 BC | |
| Fínnachta Finnachta Fínnachta, son of Ollom Fotla, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland in succession to his father. His given name was Elim. There is said to have been snow of wine in his reign, from which he gained his better-known name... |
913-895 BC | 1278-1258 BC | |
| Slánoll Slanoll Slánoll, son of Ollom Fotla, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He succeeded to throne on the death of his brother Fínnachta. It is said that there was no disease during his reign... |
895-880 BC | 1257-1241 BC | |
| Géde Ollgothach | 880-863 BC | 1241-1231 BC | |
| Fíachu Findoilches | 863-833 BC | 1231-1209 BC | |
| Berngal | 7th century BC | 833-831 BC | 1209-1197 BC |
| Ailill mac Slánuill Ailill mac Slanuill Ailill , son of Slánoll, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his cousin Berngal... |
7th century BC | 831-815 BC | 1197-1181 BC |
| Sírna Sáeglach | 7th century BC | 814-794 BC | 1181-1031 BC |
| Rothechtaid Rotha Rothechtaid Rotha Rothechtaid Rotha, son of Róán, son of Failbe, son of Cas Cétchaingnech, son of Faildergdóit, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a king of the eastern midland kingdom of the Gailenga who became High King of Ireland after defeating his predecessor, Sírna Sáeglach, in... |
7th century BC | 794-787 BC | 1031-1024 BC |
| Elim Olfínechta | 7th century BC | 787-786 BC | 1024-1023 BC |
| Gíallchad | 7th century BC | 786-777 BC | 1023-1014 BC |
| Art Imlech | 7th-6th century BC | 777-755 BC | 1014-1002 BC |
| Nuadu Finn Fáil | 7th-6th century BC | 755-735 BC | 1002-962 BC |
| Bres Rí | 7th-6th century BC | 735-726 BC | 962-953 BC |
| Eochu Apthach | 6th-5th century BC | 726-725 BC | 953-952 BC |
| Finn mac Blatha | 6th-5th century BC | 725-705 BC | 952-930 BC |
| Sétna Innarraid Sétna Innarraid Sétna Innarraid , son of Bres Rí, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He is said to have been the first Irish king to pay his soldiers. He ruled for twenty years, before he was killed by Siomón Brecc, grandson of Nuadu Finn Fáil... |
5th century BC | 705-685 BC | 930-910 BC |
| Siomón Brecc | 5th century BC | 685-679 BC | 910-904 BC |
| Dui Finn | 5th century BC | 679-674 BC | 904-894 BC |
| Muiredach Bolgrach | 5th century BC | 674-670 BC | 894-893 BC |
| Énna Derg | 5th century BC | 670-658 BC | 893-881 BC |
| Lugaid Íardonn Lugaid Iardonn Lugaid Íardonn, son of Énna Derg, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. His epithet, Old Irish for "dark brown", came from the colour of his hair. He succeeded his father, who had died of plague, to the throne, and ruled for nine years before he... |
5th century BC | 658-649 BC | 881-872 BC |
| Sírlám Sirlám Sírlám, son of Finn mac Blatha, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, Lugaid Íardonn, in Ráth Clochair. His name means "long hand" or "long arm", and it is said his arms reached the ground when was... |
5th century BC | 649-633 BC | 872-856 BC |
| Eochu Uairches | 5th century BC | 633-621 BC | 856-844 BC |
| Eochu Fíadmuine and Conaing Bececlach | 5th century BC | 621-616 BC | 844-839 BC |
| Lugaid Lámderg and Conaing Bececlach | 5th century BC | 616-609 BC | 839-832 BC |
| Conaing Bececlach (alone) | 5th century BC | 609-599 BC | 832-812 BC |
| Art mac Lugdach Art mac Lugdach Art, son of Lugaid Lámderg, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, and his father's killer, Conaing Bececlach. He ruled for six years, until he was killed by Fíachu Tolgrach and his son Dui Ladrach... |
5th century BC | 599-593 BC | 812-806 BC |
| Fíachu Tolgrach | 593-586 BC | 806-796 BC | |
| Ailill Finn Ailill Finn Ailill Finn, son of Art mac Lugdach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, he succeeds to the throne when his father is killed by Fíachu Tolgrach and his son Dui Ladrach. He rules for nine years. Two years into his... |
5th-4th century BC | 586-577 BC | 796-785 BC |
| Eochu mac Ailella | 5th-4th century BC | 577-570 BC | 785-778 BC |
| Airgetmar | 4th century BC | 570-547 BC | 778-748 BC |
| Dui Ladrach | 4th century BC | 547-537 BC | 748-738 BC |
| Lugaid Laigdech | 4th century BC | 537-530 BC | 738-731 BC |
| Áed Rúad Áed Ruad Áed Rúad, son of Badarn, Díthorba, son of Deman, and Cimbáeth, son of Fintan, three grandsons of Airgetmar, were, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, High Kings of Ireland who ruled in rotation, seven years at a time. They each ruled for three seven-year stints... |
4th century BC | 530-509 BC | 731-724 BC |
| Díthorba | 4th century BC | 509-488 BC | 724-717 BC |
| Cimbáeth | 4th century BC | 488-468 BC | 717-710 BC |
| Áed Rúad Áed Ruad Áed Rúad, son of Badarn, Díthorba, son of Deman, and Cimbáeth, son of Fintan, three grandsons of Airgetmar, were, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, High Kings of Ireland who ruled in rotation, seven years at a time. They each ruled for three seven-year stints... (2nd time) |
710-703 BC | ||
| Díthorba (2nd time) | 703-696 BC | ||
| Cimbáeth (2nd time) | 696-689 BC | ||
| Áed Rúad Áed Ruad Áed Rúad, son of Badarn, Díthorba, son of Deman, and Cimbáeth, son of Fintan, three grandsons of Airgetmar, were, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, High Kings of Ireland who ruled in rotation, seven years at a time. They each ruled for three seven-year stints... (3rd time) |
689-682 BC | ||
| Díthorba (3rd time) | 682-675 BC | ||
| Cimbáeth (3rd time) | 675-668 BC | ||
| Cimbáeth and queen Macha | 668-661 BC | ||
| Macha Mong Ruad (alone) | 4th-3rd century BC | 468-461 BC | 661-654 BC |
| Rechtaid Rígderg Rechtaid Rígderg Rechtaid Rígderg , son of Lugaid Laigdech, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing Macha Mong Ruad, daughter of his father's killer, Áed Rúad. He ruled for twenty years, until he was killed by Úgaine Mór, foster-son of... |
4th-3rd century BC | 461-441 BC | 654-634 BC |
| Úgaine Mor Úgaine Mor Úgaine Mór , son of Eochu Buadach, son of Dui Ladrach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He was the foster-son of Cimbáeth and Macha Mong Ruad, and took power by killing his predecessor, and his foster-mother's killer, Rechtaid Rígderg... |
3rd century BC | 441-411 BC | 634-594 BC |
| Raighan | 551 BC | 594 BC | |
| Cineth | 524 BC | 551 BC | |
| Flann Da Congall | 480 BC | 524 BC | |
| Heremon | 435 BC | 480 BC | |
| Bodbchad | 411 BC | 435 BC | |
| Lóegaire Lorc Lóegaire Lorc Lóegaire Lorc, son of Úgaine Mor, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. The Lebor Gabála Érenn says he succeeded directly after his father was murdered by Bodbchad, although Geoffrey Keating and the Annals of the Four Masters agree that Bodbchad... |
3rd century BC | 411-409 BC | 594-592 BC |
| Cobthach Cóel Breg Cobthach Cóel Breg Cobthach Cóel Breg, son of Úgaine Mor, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after murdering his brother Lóegaire Lorc. The story is told that he was so consumed with jealousy for his brother that he wasted away to almost nothing,... |
3rd century BC | 409-379 BC | 592-542 BC |
| Labraid Loingsech Labraid Loingsech Labraid Loingsech , also known as Labraid Lorc, son of Ailill Áine, son of Lóegaire Lorc, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He was considered the ancestor of the Laigin, who gave their name to the province of Leinster... |
3rd century BC | 379-369 BC | 542-523 BC |
| Meilge Molbthach Meilge Molbthach Meilge Molbthach , son of Cobthach Cóel Breg, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, and his father's killer, Labraid Loingsech. He ruled for seven or seventeen years, until he was killed by Mug Corb,... |
3rd century BC | 369-362 BC | 523-506 BC |
| Mug Corb | 3rd century BC | 362-355 BC | 506-499 BC |
| Óengus Ollom | 3rd century BC | 355-337 BC | 499-481 BC |
| Irereo Irereo Irereo Fáthach , son of Meilge Molbthach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, Óengus Ollom, and ruled for seven or ten years, until he was killed in Ulster by Fer Corb, son of Mug Corb... |
3rd century BC | 337-330 BC | 481-474 BC |
| Fer Corb Fer Corb Fer Corb , son of Mug Corb, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to power after killing his predecessor, and his father's killer, Irereo, in Ulster. He ruled for eleven years, until he was killed by Irereo's son Connla Cáem... |
3rd century BC | 330-319 BC | 474-463 BC |
| Connla Cáem Connla Cáem Connla Cáem , also known as Connla Cruaidchelgach , son of Irereo, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to power after he killed his predecessor, and his father's killer, Fer Corb, and ruled for four years, until he died in Tara, and was... |
3rd century BC | 319-315 BC | 463-443 BC |
| Ailill Caisfiaclach | 3rd-2nd century BC | 315-290 BC | 443-418 BC |
| Adamair Adamair Adamair , son of Fer Corb, was, according to medieval Irish legends and historical traditions, a High King of Ireland. He came from Munster, killed the previous incumbent, Ailill Caisfhiaclach, and reigned for five years, until he was killed by Eochaid Ailtleathan... |
3rd-2nd century BC | 290-285 BC | 418-414 BC |
| Eochaid Ailtlethan | 3rd-2nd century BC | 285-274 BC | 414-396 BC |
| Fergus Fortamail Fergus Fortamail Fergus Fortamail , son of Bresal Brecc, son of Óengus Gailian, son of Ailill Bracan, son of Labraid Loingsech, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... |
2nd century BC | 274-262 BC | 396-385 |
| Óengus Tuirmech Temrach | 2nd century BC | 262-232 BC | 385-326 BC |
| Conall Collamrach Conall Collamrach Conall Collamrach, son of Eterscél Temrach, son of Eochaid Ailtlethan, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He succeeded to the throne on the death of his uncle Óengus Tuirmech Temrach, and ruled for five years, until he was killed by Nia Segamain... |
2nd century BC | 232-226 BC | 326-320 BC |
| Nia Segamain Nia Segamain Nia Segamain, son of Adamair, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, Conall Collamrach. Geoffrey Keating says his mother was the presumed woodland goddess Flidais of the Tuatha Dé Danann, whose magic... |
2nd century BC | 226-219 BC | 320-313 BC |
| Énna Aignech Enna Aignech Énna Aignech , son of Óengus Tuirmech Temrach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, Nia Segamain, and ruled for twenty or twenty-eight years, after which he was killed by Crimthann Coscrach in the... |
2nd century BC | 219-191 BC | 313-293 BC |
| Crimthann Coscrach Crimthann Coscrach Crimthann Coscrach , son of Fedlimid Fortrén, son of Fergus Fortamail, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, Énna Aignech, and ruled for four or seven years, after which he was killed by Rudraige mac... |
2nd century BC | 191-184 BC | 293-289 BC |
| Rudraige mac Sithrigi Rudraige mac Sithrigi Rudraige, son of Sitric, son of Dub, son of Fomor, son of Airgetmar, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, Crimthann Coscrach, and ruled for thirty or seventy years, after which he died of plague in... |
2nd-1st century BC | 184-154 BC | 289-219 BC |
| Finnat Már | 2nd-1st century BC | 154-151 BC | 219-210 BC |
| Bresal Bó-Díbad | 2nd-1st century BC | 151-140 BC | 210-199 BC |
| Lugaid Luaigne Lugaid Luaigne Lugaid Luaigne, son of Finnat Már, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to power after killing his predecessor, and his father's killer, Bresal Bó-Díbad, and ruled for five or fifteen years, before he was killed by Congal Cláiringnech... |
2nd-1st century BC | 140-135 BC | 199-184 BC |
| Congal Cláiringnech | 1st century BC | 135-120 BC | 184-169 BC |
| Dui Dallta Dedad | 1st century BC | 120-110 BC | 169-159 BC |
| Fachtna Fáthach Fachtna Fáthach Fachtna Fáthach , son of Cas , son of Rudraige, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to power when he defeated the previous High King, Dui Dallta Dedad, in the battle of Árd Brestine... |
1st century BC | 110-94 BC | 159-143 BC |
| Eochu Feidlech | 1st century BC | 94-82 BC | 143-131 BC |
| Eochu Airem | 1st century BC | 82-70 BC | 131-116 BC |
| Eterscél | 1st century BC-1st century AD | 70-64 BC | 116-111 BC |
| Nuadu Necht | 1st century | 64-63 BC | 111-110 BC |
| Conaire Mór Conaire Mor Conaire Mór , son of Eterscél, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. His mother was Mess Búachalla, who was either the daughter of Eochu Feidlech and Étaín, or of Eochu Airem and his daughter by Étaín... |
1st century | 63-33 BC | 110-40 BC |
| interregnum (5 years) | interregnum 40-33 BC | ||
| Lugaid Riab nDerg Lugaid Riab nDerg Lugaid Riab nDerg or Réoderg , son of the three findemna, triplet sons of Eochu Feidlech, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland.-Conception:... |
1st century | 33-13 BC | 33-9 BC |
| Conchobar Abradruad Conchobar Abradruad Conchobar Abradruad , son of Find File, son of Ros Ruad, son of Ferhus Fairgge, son of Nuadu Necht, of the Laigin, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He succeeded to the throne after the death of Lugaid Riab nDerg, and ruled for a year, at the... |
1st century | 13-12 BC | 9-8 BC |
| Cairbre Cinnchait Cairbre Cinnchait Cairbre Cinnchait or Caitchenn was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... 1st century |
Crimthann Nia Náir Crimthann Nia Náir Crimthann Nia Náir , son of Lugaid Riab nDerg, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... 12 BC - AD 5 |
Crimthann Nia Náir Crimthann Nia Náir Crimthann Nia Náir , son of Lugaid Riab nDerg, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... 8 BC - AD 9 |
|
| Feradach Finnfechtnach Feradach Finnfechtnach Feradach Finnfechtnach , son of Crimthann Nia Náir, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... 1st century |
Feradach Finnfechtnach Feradach Finnfechtnach Feradach Finnfechtnach , son of Crimthann Nia Náir, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... AD 5-25 |
Cairbre Cinnchait Cairbre Cinnchait Cairbre Cinnchait or Caitchenn was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... AD 9-14 |
|
| Fíatach Finn Fiatach Finn Fiatach Finn mac Dáire, a distant descedant of Óengus Tuirmech Temrach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a king of the Ulaid, later a High King of Ireland, and the eponymous ancestor of the early Medieval Ulster dynasty of the Dál Fiatach... 1st century |
Fiatach Finn Fiatach Finn Fiatach Finn mac Dáire, a distant descedant of Óengus Tuirmech Temrach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a king of the Ulaid, later a High King of Ireland, and the eponymous ancestor of the early Medieval Ulster dynasty of the Dál Fiatach... 25-28 |
Feradach Finnfechtnach Feradach Finnfechtnach Feradach Finnfechtnach , son of Crimthann Nia Náir, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... 14-36 |
|
| Fíachu Finnolach 1st century | Fiacha Finnfolaidh Fiacha Finnfolaidh Fiacha Finnolach, son of Feradach Finnfechtnach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, Fíatach Finn... 28-55 |
Fiatach Finn Fiatach Finn Fiatach Finn mac Dáire, a distant descedant of Óengus Tuirmech Temrach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a king of the Ulaid, later a High King of Ireland, and the eponymous ancestor of the early Medieval Ulster dynasty of the Dál Fiatach... 36-39 |
|
| Elim mac Conrach 2nd century | Cairbre Cinnchait Cairbre Cinnchait Cairbre Cinnchait or Caitchenn was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... 55-60 |
Fiacha Finnfolaidh Fiacha Finnfolaidh Fiacha Finnolach, son of Feradach Finnfechtnach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, Fíatach Finn... 39-56 |
|
| Elim mac Conrach 60-80 | Elim mac Conrach 56-76 |
Goidelic High Kings
| LGE | FFE | AFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuathal Techtmar | 2nd century | 80-100 | 76-106 |
| Mal mac Rochride Mal mac Rochride Mal, son of Rochraide, a descendant of the legendary hero Conall Cernach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a king of the Ulaid and later a High King of Ireland... |
2nd century | 100-104 | 106-110 |
| Fedlimid Rechtmar Fedlimid Rechtmar Fedlimid Rechtmar or Rechtaid son of Tuathal Techtmar, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. His mother was Báine, daughter of Scál. He took power after killing his predecessor, and his father's killer, Mal mac Rochride... |
2nd century | 104-113 | 110-119 |
| Cathair Mór Cathair Mor Cathair Mór , son of Fedlimid Fir Urglais, a descendant of Mug Corb, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after the death of Fedlimid Rechtmar. He is said to have had thirty sons, but only ten of them had children; several medieval... |
2nd century | 113-116 | 119-122 |
| Conn Cétchathach Conn of the Hundred Battles Conn Cétchathach , son of Fedlimid Rechtmar, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland, and the ancestor of the Connachta, and, through his descendant Niall Noígiallach, the Uí Néill dynasties, which dominated Ireland in the early middle ages, and... |
2nd century | 116-136 | 122-157 |
| Conaire Cóem | 2nd century | 136-143 | 157-165 |
| Art mac Cuinn Art mac Cuinn Art mac Cuinn , also known as Art Óenfer , was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland.... |
2nd century | 143-173 | 165-195 |
| Lugaid mac Con Lugaid mac Con Lugaid Mac Con, often known simply as Mac Con, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He belonged to the Corcu Loígde, and thus to the Dáirine. His father was Macnia mac Lugdach, and his mother was Sadb ingen Chuinn, daughter of the former High... |
173-203 | 195-225 | |
| Fergus Dubdétach Fergus Dubdétach Fergus Dubdétach was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a king of the Ulaid who was briefly High King of Ireland. He took the High Kingship after his predecessor, Lugaid mac Con, was expelled from Tara by Cormac mac Airt and killed in Munster by Cormac's poet Ferches mac... |
203-204 | 225-226 | |
| Cormac mac Airt Cormac mac Airt Cormac mac Airt , also known as Cormac ua Cuinn or Cormac Ulfada , was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland... |
204-244 | 226-266 | |
| Eochaid Gonnat Eochaid Gonnat Eochaid Gonnat or Gunnat , son of Fiach, son of Imchad, son of Bresal, son of Sírchad, son of Fíatach Finn, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to the throne on the death of Cormac mac Airt. He ruled for a year, before falling in battle... |
244-245 | 266-267 | |
| Cairbre Lifechair Cairbre Lifechair Cairbre Lifechair , son of Cormac mac Airt, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to the throne after the death of Eochaid Gonnat... |
245-272 | 267-284 | |
| Fothad Cairpthech and Fothad Airgthech | 272-273 | 284-285 | |
| Fíacha Sroiptine | 273-306 | 285-322 | |
| Colla Uais | 306-310 | 322-326 | |
| Muiredach Tirech Muiredach Tirech Muiredach Tirech, son of Fiacha Sraibhtine, was a legendary High King of Ireland of the fourth century. He gained power by exiling the three Collas, who had killed his father. The Collas later returned and tried to provoke him into trying to kill them. When he didn't, they entered his service and... |
310-343 | 326-356 | |
| Cáelbad Cáelbad Cáelbad , a descendant of the legendary hero Conall Cernach, was a king of Ulster who became High King of Ireland in the 4th century. He gained the High Kingship by overthrowing Muiredach Tirech, but only lasted a year before he was overthrown by Muiredach's son Eochaid Mugmedon. He married Céindi... |
343-344 | 356-357 | |
| Eochaid Mugmedon Eochaid Mugmedon -Biography:According to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, Eochaid was a High King of Ireland, best known as the father of Niall of the Nine Hostages and ancestor of the Uí Néill and Connachta dynasties... |
344-351 | 357-365 | |
| Crimthann mac Fidaig Crimthann mac Fidaig Crimthann Mór, son of Fidach , also written Crimthand Mór, was a semi-mythological king of Munster and High King of Ireland of the 4th century. He gained territory in Britain and Gaul, but died poisoned by his sister Mongfind. It is possible that he was also recognized as king of Scotland or Alba... |
351-368 | 365-376 | |
| Niall Noígíallach Niall of the Nine Hostages Niall Noígíallach , or in English, Niall of the Nine Hostages, son of Eochaid Mugmedón, was an Irish king, the eponymous ancestor of the Uí Néill kindred who dominated Ireland from the 6th century to the 10th century... generally thought historical |
368-395 | 376-405 | |
| Nath Í probably did not reign at Tara | 395-418 | 405-428 | |
| Lóegaire mac Néill Lóegaire mac Néill Lóegaire , also Lóeguire, is said to have been a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. The Irish annals and king lists include him as a King of Tara or High King of Ireland. He appears as an adversary of Saint Patrick in several hagiographies... historical |
418-448 | 428-458 |
Semi-historical High Kings of Ireland
These kings are likely historical figures, but naming them High Kings of Ireland is probably anachronistic.| 459-831 | |
|---|---|
| Ailill Molt Ailill Molt Ailill mac Nath Í , called Ailill Molt, is included in most lists of the High Kings of Ireland and is also called King of Connacht. His cognomen, molt, means "ram" but its origin is unknown.... |
459-478 |
| Lugaid mac Lóegairi | 479-503 |
| Muirchertach mac Ercae | 504-527 |
| Túathal Máelgarb Tuathal Maelgarb Túathal mac Cormaic , called Túathal Máelgarb, was said to be a grandson of Coirpre mac Néill. He was High King of Ireland. In the earliest accounts he appears to have been regarded as the man who completed the conquest of what would later be Brega for the descendants of Niall of the Nine... |
528-538 |
| Diarmait mac Cerbaill Diarmait mac Cerbaill Diarmait mac Cerbaill was King of Tara or High King of Ireland. According to traditions, he was the last High King to follow the pagan rituals of inauguration, the ban-feis or marriage to goddess of the land.... |
539-558 |
| Domhnall Domnall Ilchelgach Domnall mac Muirchertaig , called Domnall Ilchelgach and Domnall mac Maic Ercae, was said to be a High King of Ireland.... and Fearghus Forggus mac Muirchertaig Forggus mac Muirchertaig , also called Forrgus mac Maic Ercae, is included in most lists of High Kings of Ireland.Father Muirchertach mac Muiredaig, also called Mac Ercae, brother Domnall Ilchelgach with whom he is said to have ruled jointly... |
559-561 |
| Eochaidh Eochaid mac Domnaill Eochaid mac Domnaill , also Eochaid Find , was an Irish king who is included in some lists as a High King of Ireland. He was the son of Domnall Ilchelgach and grandson of Muirchertach mac Muiredaig , also considered high kings. He was a member of the Cenél nEógain branch of the northern Uí Néill... and Baedan Báetán mac Muirchertaig Báetán mac Muirchertaig , also Baetán Bríge, was an Irish king who is included in some lists as a High King of Ireland. He was the son of Muirchertach mac Muiredaig , also considered a high king. He was a member of the Cenél nEógain branch of the northern Uí Néill... |
562-563 |
| Ainmuire mac Sétnai Ainmuire mac Sétnai Ainmuire mac Sétnai or Ainmire or Ainmere was a High King of Ireland from the Cenél Conaill branch of the Uí Néill. He was the great grandson of Conall Gulban , founder of this branch. He ruled from 566-569... |
564-566 |
| Báetán mac Ninnedo | 567 |
| Áed mac Ainmuirech Áed mac Ainmuirech Áed mac Ainmuirech was high-king of the Northern Uí Néill. He belonged to the Cenél Conaill and was a distant cousin of Columba of Iona. He was the son of Ainmuire mac Sétnai , a previous possible high king.... |
568-594 |
| Áed Sláine Áed Sláine Áed mac Diarmato , called Áed Sláine , was the son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Legendary stories exist of Áed's birth. Saint Columba is said to have prophesied his death... and Colmán Rímid Colmán Rímid Colmán Rímid was an Irish king who is included in some lists as a High King of Ireland. Colmán was the son of Báetán mac Muirchertaig , also considered to be a high king, and belonged to the Cenél nEógain branch of the northern Uí Néill... |
595-600 |
| Áed Uaridnach Áed Uaridnach Áed Uaridnach was an Irish king who was High King of Ireland. He is sometimes also known as Áed Allán, a name most commonly used for the 8th century king of the same name, this Áed's great-great-grandson.... |
601-607 |
| Máel Coba mac Áedo Máel Coba mac Áedo Máel Coba was an Irish king who is counted as a High King of Ireland in some sources.Máel Coba was the son of Áed mac Ainmuirech and brother of Domnall mac Áedo , both also reckoned High Kings of Ireland. They belonged to the northern Cenél Conaill branch of the Uí Néill... |
608-610 |
| Suibne Menn Suibne Menn Suibne Menn was an Irish king who is counted as a High King of Ireland.Suibne belonged to the junior branch of the Cenél nEógain kindred of the northern Uí Néill, the Cenél Feredaig, named for his grandfather Feredach, a great-grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages... |
611-623 |
| Domnall mac Áedo Domnall mac Áedo Domnall mac Áedo , also known as Domnall II, was a son of Áed mac Ainmuirech. Domnall was High King of Ireland from 628 until his death. He belonged to the Cenél Conaill kindred of the northern Uí Néill.... |
624-639 |
| Cellach Cellach mac Máele Coba Cellach mac Máele Coba was an Irish king and is said to have been High King of Ireland.Cellach was the son of Máel Coba mac Áedo and belonged to the Cenél Conaill branch of the northern Uí Néill... and Conall Conall Cóel Conall mac Máele Coba, called Conall Cóel, was an Irish king and is said to have been High King of Ireland.-Biography:Conall was the son of Máel Coba mac Áedo and belonged to the Cenél Conaill branch of the northern Uí Néill... |
640-656 |
| Diarmait Diarmait mac Áedo Sláine Diarmait was a son of Áed Sláine. According to the Irish annals he was High King of Ireland.-Sons of Áed Sláine:Diarmait's father Áed Sláine was a son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill, the apical ancestor of the southern branches of the Uí Néill kindred which dominated Ireland from the late 6th century... and Blathmac Blathmac mac Áedo Sláine Blathmac was a son of Áed Sláine. According to the Irish annals he was High King of Ireland.-Sons of Áed Sláine:Blathmac's father Áed Sláine was a son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill, the apical ancestor of the southern branches of the Uí Néill kindred which dominated Ireland from the late 6th century... |
657-664 |
| Sechnassach Sechnassach Sechnassach mac Blathmaic followed his father Blathmac mac Áedo Sláine and uncle Diarmait mac Áedo Sláine as High King of Ireland and King of Brega... |
665-669 |
| Cenn Fáelad Cenn Fáelad Cenn Fáelad mac Blathmaic followed his father Blathmac mac Áedo Sláine and his brother Sechnassach as High King of Ireland and king of Brega... |
670-673 |
| Fínsnechta Fledach Fínsnechta Fledach Fínsnechta Fledach mac Dúnchada was High King of Ireland. Fínsnechta belonged to the southern Síl nÁedo Sláine sept of the Uí Néill and was King of Brega, in modern County Meath, Ireland. He was a grandson of Áed Sláine. His father Dúnchad had died in 659... |
674-693 |
| Loingsech mac Óengusso Loingsech mac Óengusso Loingsech mac Óengusso was an Irish king who was High King of Ireland. Loingsech was a member of the northern Cenél Conaill branch of the Uí Néill... |
694-701 |
| Congal Cennmagair Congal Cennmagair Congal Cennmagair was High King of Ireland. He belonged to the northern Cenél Conaill branch of the Uí Néill. His father, Fergus Fanát, was not a high king, although his grandfather, Domnall mac Áedo , was counted as a High King of Ireland.... |
702-708 |
| Fergal mac Máele Dúin Fergal mac Máele Dúin Fergal mac Máele Dúin was High King of Ireland. Fergal belonged to the Cenél nEógain sept of the northern Uí Néill. He was the son of Máel Dúin mac Máele Fithrich , a King of Ailech, and great grandson of the high king Áed Uaridnach... |
709-718 |
| Fogartach mac Néill Fogartach mac Néill Fogartach mac Néill , sometimes called Fogartach ua Cernaich, was an Irish king who is reckoned a High King of Ireland. He belonged to the Uí Chernaig sept of the Síl nÁedo Sláine branch of the southern Uí Néill... |
719 |
| Cináed mac Írgalaig Cináed mac Írgalaig Cináed mac Írgalaig or Cináed Cáech, "the one-eyed", was an Irish King of Brega who was High King of Ireland.-Background:Cináed was the son of Írgalach mac Conaing , a previous King of Brega... |
720-722 |
| Flaithbertach mac Loingsig Flaithbertach mac Loingsig Flaithbertach mac Loingsig was a High King of Ireland. He was a member of the Cenél Conaill, a branch of the northern Uí Néill. He was the son of Loingsech mac Óengusso , a previous high king... |
723-729 |
| Áed Allán Áed Allán Áed Allán was an 8th century Irish king of Ailech and High King of Ireland. Áed Allán was the son of Fergal mac Máele Dúin and a member of the Cenél nEógain, a branch of the Northern Uí Néill.... |
730-738 |
| Domnall Midi Domnall Midi Domhnall Mac Murchada , called Domnall Midi , was High King of Ireland. He belonged to the Clann Cholmáin branch of the Uí Néill... |
739-758 |
| Niall Frossach Niall Frossach Niall Frossach was an 8th century Irish king of Ailech, sometimes considered to have been High King of Ireland. Brother of high king Áed Allán , Niall was the son of high king Fergal mac Máele Dúin and a member of the Cenél nEógain, a branch of the Northern Uí Néill... |
759-765 |
| Donnchad Midi | 766-792 |
| Áed Oirdnide | 793-817 |
| Conchobar mac Donnchada Conchobar mac Donnchada Conchobar mac Donnchada was High-King of Ireland with opposition between 819 and 833. Conchobar was the son of Donnchad Midi, high-king of Ireland ; his mother was Fuirseach, a noblewoman of the Dál nAraidi. Conchobar married Land, daughter of the former High-King Áed Oirdnide... |
819-833 |
| Niall Caille 833-846 (according to http://www.thepeerage.com/p15012.htm) or Feidlimid mac Crimthainn (according to the Annals of Inisfallen Annals of Inisfallen The Annals of Inisfallen are a chronicle of the medieval history of Ireland. There are more than 2,500 entries spanning the years between AD 433 and AD 1450, but it is believed to have been written between the 12th and 15th centuries... ) |
832-846 836-841 |
Historical High Kings of Ireland
These kings can be considered genuinely historical High Kings (with or without opposition).| Kings of Ireland | 832–1318 |
|---|---|
| Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid | 846–860. |
| Aed Findliath | 861–876. |
| Flann Sinna Flann Sinna Flann Sinna was the son of Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid of Clann Cholmáin, a branch of the southern Uí Néill. He was King of Mide from 877 onwards and is counted as a High King of Ireland... |
877–914. |
| Niall Glúndub Niall Glúndub Niall Glúndub mac Áedo was a 10th century Irish king of the Cenél nEógain and High King of Ireland. While many Irish kin groups were members of the Uí Néill, tracing their descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages , the O'Neill dynasty took their name from Niall Glúndub rather than the earlier Niall... |
915–917. |
| Donnchad Donn Donnchad Donn Donnchadh Donn mac Flainn was High King of Ireland. He belonged to Clann Cholmáin, a branch of the southern Uí Néill.-Origins:... |
918–942 |
| Congalach Cnogba Congalach Cnogba Conghalach Cnoghbha was High King of Ireland, according to the lists in the Annals of the Four Masters, from around 944 to 956... |
943–954 |
| Domnall ua Néill Domnall ua Néill Domhnall ua Néill was High King of Ireland from 956 to 980.Domnall was the son of Muirchertach mac Néill, and grandson of Niall Glúndub, a member of the Cenél nEógain northern Uí Néill. He became co-King of Ailech with his brother Flaithbertach on the death of his father in 943... |
955–978 |
| Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill , also called Máel Sechnaill Mór, Máel Sechnaill II, anglicized Malachy II, was King of Mide and High King of Ireland... |
979–1002 |
| Brian Bóruma Brian Boru Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig, , , was an Irish king who ended the domination of the High Kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. Building on the achievements of his father, Cennétig mac Lorcain, and especially his elder brother, Mathgamain, Brian first made himself King of Munster, then subjugated... |
1002–1014. |
| Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill (restored) | 1014–1022. |
| Donnchad mac Briain Donnchad mac Briain Donnchadh mac Briain , formerly anglicised as Donough O'Brian, son of Brian Bóruma and Gormflaith ingen Murchada, was King of Munster.-Background:... |
died 1064 (with opposition) |
| Diarmait mac Maíl na mBó Diarmait mac Mail na mBo Diarmait mac Maíl na mBó was King of Leinster, and also High King of Ireland .He was one of the most important and significant Kings in Ireland in the pre-Norman era... |
died 1072 (with opposition) |
| Toirdelbach Ua Briain | died 1086 (with opposition) |
| Domnall Ua Lochlainn | died 1121 (with opposition) |
| Muirchertach Ua Briain | died 1119 1119 in Ireland -Events:*Death of Muirchertach O'Brien, who had reigned as King of Munster since 1086 and was claimant to the Kingship of Ireland... (with opposition) |
| Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair | died 1156 1156 in Ireland -Deaths:*Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair , who had reigned as King of Connacht since 1106 and was a claimant to the High Kingship of Ireland. He was buried in Clonmacnoise.... |
| Muirchertach Mac Lochlainn | died 1166 1166 in Ireland -Events:*Death of Muirchertach Mac Lochlainn, High King of Ireland.*Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair succeeds to the high-kingship, on the death of his father, Tairrdelbach mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair.... |
| Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair , often anglicised Rory O'Connor, reigned as King of Connacht from 1156 to 1186, and from 1166 to 1198 was the last High King before the Norman invasion of Ireland .Ruaidrí was one of over twenty sons of King... |
died 1186 1186 in Ireland -Events:*Hugh de Lacy the Elder, 1st Lord of Meath, is assassinated.*Ruaidrí mac Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair , The Last High King of Ireland was usurped by his son in 1186.... |
| Brian Ua Néill Brian Ua Neill Brian Ua Néill, also known as Brian O'Neill, was the High King of Ireland from 1258 to 1260. He died in the Battle of Druim Dearg in 1260.- Revolt in Ireland :... |
1258 1258 in Ireland -Events:*Meeting at Caol-Uisce on the Erne between Aodh, son of O’Connor, Tadhg, son of O’Brien and Brian O’Neill, self-styled “King of the kings of Ireland” .... –1260 (in opposition to Henry III Henry III of England Henry III was the son and successor of John as King of England, reigning for 56 years from 1216 until his death. His contemporaries knew him as Henry of Winchester. He was the first child king in England since the reign of Æthelred the Unready... ) |
| Edubard a Briuis Edward Bruce Edward the Bruce , sometimes modernised Edward of Bruce, was a younger brother of King Robert I of Scotland, who supported his brother in the struggle for the crown of Scotland, then pursued his own claim in Ireland. He was proclaimed High King of Ireland, but was eventually defeated and killed in... (Edward the Bruce) Descended from Brian Bóruma |
1315 1315 in Ireland -Events:*Invasion of Ireland by Edward Bruce. He is proclaimed by Irish allies as King of Ireland .*The first significant leader of the Butler clan, Edmond le Bottiler, became Earl of Carrig... –1318 1318 in Ireland - Events :*11 May - Battle of Dysert O'Dea: Richard de Clare defeated and killed by Conor O'Dea in alliance with O'Briens, MacNamaras, and Ó hEithirs..*29 September - Alexander de Bicknor arrives in Ireland.... (in opposition to Edward II Edward II of England Edward II , called Edward of Caernarfon, was King of England from 1307 until he was deposed by his wife Isabella in January 1327. He was the sixth Plantagenet king, in a line that began with the reign of Henry II... ) |