What Irish king reportedly challenged Saint Patrick at the Hill of Tara? Lóegaire is the traditional answer.
Lóegaire mac Néill was a king of Tara, traditionally identified as a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. In early medieval hagiographies, he appears as Patrick’s pagan royal opponent during Patrick’s mission in Ireland.
The best-known story says Patrick lit the Easter fire at Slane, where it could be seen from Tara, defying the king’s order that no other fire be kindled first. Lóegaire then summoned Patrick, whose contests with the king’s druids became central episodes in Patrick’s legendary biography.
The account is hagiographical rather than securely documented history. Some versions say Lóegaire eventually accepted baptism; others portray him as remaining pagan. Niall of the Nine Hostages was Lóegaire’s father, not the king who confronted Patrick in the story.