The Táin was based on the Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), one of the most infamous legends of early Irish literature, dealing with the war between Ulster and Connacht over a prize bull.

The songs tell the story from the points of view of Cú Chulainn, Queen Maeve of Connacht and Ferdia, among others.

"Dearg Doom" was arguably the most popular track on the album and was included in Tom Dunne's 30 Best Irish Hits compilation, released in 2003.

Along with "Faster Than The Hound", it was performed by the band on the BBC's The Old Grey Whistle Test.

The track's main guitar riff was incorporated into "Put 'Em Under Pressure", the anthem of the Republic of Ireland's Italia '90 campaign, reintroducing the song to a younger audience.