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.
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.
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.