[2] He belonged to the northern Cenél nEógain kindred of the Uí Néill.
In 605 Áed won a victory over the King of Leinster, Brandub mac Echach (died 605) at the Battle of Slabra.
[5] Leinster was often a target of the Uí Néill for inaugural raids and the levy of a cattle-tribute.
According to one recension of The Book of Invasions he "died of plague in Tara".
Áed's son Máel Fithrich mac Áedo (died 630) was a king of Ailech.