The high kings of Ireland (Irish Gaelic: Ard Rí na hÉireann) were king of Ireland from prehistory until about 1200 AD.
The high kings usually had only little political power and were rarely king of a united Ireland. However, they had an important spiritual and religious significance.
The high kings of the Uí Néill dynasty ruled from Tara, now a ruin that remains an important symbolic place for the Irish, and plays a role in Irish mythology.
The power of the high king changed with the king's person. Strong kings ruled to some degree throughout Ireland.
The most famous tall king of Ireland was Brian Boru who defeated the Vikings from Dublin on Good Friday of the year 1014, which meant the end of the dominant place of the Vikings. Despite the big victory, Brian was killed after a blow by a fugitive Viking.
The invasion of Normandy gentlemen from England was the end of the high kingdoms. Also see
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