Who was the king of Ulster during the events of the Táin Bó Cúailnge?

Who was the king of Ulster during the events of the Táin Bó Cúailnge? Conchobar mac Nessa was the king of Ulster during the Táin Bó Cúailnge, or Cattle Raid of Cooley.

Conchobar is one of the central rulers of the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He rules from Emain Macha, traditionally identified with Navan Fort near Armagh, and is usually described as the son of Ness. His parentage varies between versions: some name the High King Fachtna Fáthach as his father, while others identify the druid Cathbad.

In the Táin, Queen Medb of Connacht leads an invasion to seize Donn Cúailnge, the great bull of Cooley. A curse associated with Macha leaves the warriors of Ulster unable to fight, so Cú Chulainn must defend the province through a series of single combats while Conchobar remains the nominal king and military leader.

Fergus mac Róich is a frequent rival and former king of Ulster, which makes him an easy mix-up. Eochaid is a name shared by several figures, and Cormac mac Airt belongs to the separate tradition of the High Kings of Ireland. Conchobar’s character varies across tales, where he can appear as either capable ruler or tyrant.