Ollom Fotla
Ollom Fotla, meaning "the scholar of Fódla" (Ireland) and also spelled Ollamh Fodhla, is a legendary High King of Ireland. His given name was Eochaid. He came to the throne after killing his predecessor Faildergdóit, in a lineage of conflict that involved prior killings. He ruled for about forty years and died of natural causes at Tara. He was followed by six descendants, starting with his son Fínnachta, then Slánoll and Géde Ollgothach.
Ollom Fotla is credited with founding Feis Temrach, the Assembly of Tara. Some sources describe it as a parliament-like gathering where nobles, scholars, and military leaders met at Samhain every three years to pass laws and renew annals, with three days of feasting surrounding the meeting. He is also said to have built the Múr nOlloman, the Scholar's Rampart, at Tara.
In the 19th century, some writers linked his tomb to Cairn T at Loughcrew and to Hag's chair, but these connections are conjectural.
Old texts place his reign at various dates, ranging from the early first millennium BC to the 7th century BC, so there is no single agreed year for his rule.
Ollom Fotla is remembered as a legendary king and scholar who organized Ireland's great law assembly and left a lasting mark at Tara.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 04:46 (CET).