The term
Kingship of Tara was a
title of authority in
ancient Ireland. The position was considered to be of eminent authority in
medieval Irish literature and
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.