Lóegaire (Loeguire, Láegaire, Laoghaire, sometimes anglicised as Leary), son of Niall of the Nine Hostages.

Lóegaire was a semi-legendary High King of Ireland and succeeded his father Niall Noigíallach. Early sources say that during his reign St. Patrick appeared in Ireland. He is believed to have died in the 460s or the 480s.

In Muirchu's 7th century Life of Patrick, Lóegaire is described as "a certain great, fierce, pagan emperor of the barbarians reigning in Tara." After a number of attempts by Lóegaire and others to kill Patrick, Lóegaire was warned by the saint that he must accept the faith or die. Having taken the counsel of his people, he submitted. An alternative early account, by Tírechán, says that Lóegaire remained a pagan in spite of Patrick’s miracles.

There are several varying accounts of his death. In one, he is said to have been killed by a lightning flash at Greallach Dabhaill beside the Liffey. Another says that there was a prophecy that he would die between Ireland and Britain. He tried to evade his fate by never going to sea, but the prophecy was fulfilled when he died between two hills called Ireland and Britain.

He was the father of the High King Lughaid mac Loeguire, one of twelve sons (and two daughters) attributed to him.

Source:

• http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/T100005A/index.html
• http://www.magoo.com/hugh/irishkings.html

460s deaths | High Kings of Ireland | History of Ireland | Medieval Gaels