Diarmait mac Cerbaill

Not to be confused with Diarmait mac Cerbaill (King of Osraige).

Scene from the east face of the Cross of the Scriptures, Clonmacnoise. The figures probably represent Saint Ciarán and Diarmait mac Cerbaill founding Clonmacnoise: "Then Ciarán planted the first stake, and Diarmait son of Cerball was along with him. Said Ciarán to Diarmait when setting the stake, 'Let, O warrior, thy hand be over my hand, and thou shalt be in sovranty over the men of Ireland.'"[1]

Diarmait mac Cerbaill (died c. 565) was King of Tara or High King of Ireland. According to traditions, he was the last High King to follow the pagan rituals of inauguration, the ban-feis or marriage to goddess of the land. The last High King to observe the ancient pagan Feis Temrach or Assembly of Tara which took place on Samhain every three years to pass or renew laws, approve annals and records.

While many later stories were attached to Diarmait, he was a historical ruler and his descendants were of great significance in Medieval Ireland.

  1. ^ Stokes, Book of Lismore, p. 276. Needs ref for identification.