The term Kingship of Tara () was a title of authority in ancient Ireland - the title is closely associated with the archaeological complex at the Hill of Tara. The position was considered to be of eminent authority in medieval Irish literature and Irish mythology, although national kingship was never a historical reality in early Ireland. The term also represented a prehistoric and mythical ideal of sacred kingship in Ireland. Holding the title King of Tara invested the incumbent with a powerful status. Many Irish High Kings were simultaneously Kings of Tara. The title emerged in the ninth and tenth centuries. In later times, actual claimants to this title used their position to promote themselves in status and fact to the High Kingship. Prior to this, various branches of the Uí Néill dynasty appear to have used it to denote overlordship of their kindred and realms. It was associated with Feis Temro (Feast of Tara), a pagan inauguration rite. The titles King of Tara and High King of Ireland were distinct and unrelated for much of history. The following is a list of those accorded the title (or at least believed to be seated) in the Irish annals—the kings and legends. The dates and names of the early kings are uncertain and are often highly suspect. Several may be doubles of others, while composite characters may be entirely fictitious. Some may also be assigned to the wrong prehistoric kindred. Legendary Kings of Tara Prehistoric Mythological: Eochu Feidlech Eochu Airem Lugaid Riab nDerg Crimthann Nia Náir Feradach Finnfechtnach Érainn and Dáirine (Corcu Loígde): Eterscél Mór Conaire Mór / Conaire Cóem Dáire Doimthech Mac Con / Lugaid Loígde Eochaid Étgudach Laigin: Úgaine Mór Lóegaire Lorc Cobthach Cóel Breg Labraid Loingsech Cairbre Nia Fer Nuadu Necht Cathair Mór Dál Cuinn (Connachta and Uí Néill): (Fíachu Finnolach) Tuathal Techtmar Fedlimid Rechtmar Conn of the Hundred Battles Art mac Cuinn Cormac mac Airt Cairbre Lifechair Late Prehistoric Niall of the Nine Hostages Lóegaire mac Néill Coirpre mac Néill Ailill Molt Early Historic Kings of Tara Mac Cairthinn mac Coelboth, died 546/547 Tuathal Maelgarb, d.544/549 Diarmait mac Cerbaill, before 558 – 565 Forggus mac Muirchertaig and Domnall mac Muirchertaig, 565–569? Báetán mac Muirchertaig and Eochaid mac Domnaill, 569? – 572/573 Ainmuire mac Sétnai, 572/573 – 575/576 Áed mac Ainmuirech, 575/576, or 592 – 598 Fiachnae mac Báetáin (Fiachnae Lurgan), 589–626 Colmán Rímid mac Báetáin and Áed