Ollam Fodla

Ollam Fodla was the eighteenth Milesian (high) king of Ireland. Ollam Fodla was the son of Fiachu Fincothach. Ollam was a descendant of Ir, the third son of Míl and Scota. Ollam killed Faildergolt, son of Muinemon and a descendant of Eber Finn, to gain the high kingship of Ireland.

Ollam was a different king from Tigernmas. Ollam Fodla was known for his wisdom and his skill in poetry.

Ollam Fodla's greatest achievement was establishing the Great Fair in Tara, held every three years at Samhain. Besides holding a feast and entertainment for the public – provincial kings, chieftains, bards and druids all gathered in the assembly in Tara. They were there where cases were heard, disputes were settled and laws were enacted. No man or woman could be arrested at this time. Centuries later, the Fenian hero Finn Mac Cumhaill took advantage of this festival, and he would restore Clan Baiscne's place within the Fianna without being arrested by his enemies.

Ollam died of natural causes in Temair (Tara), after ruling for 40 years.

Ollam was the ancestor of the royal house of Ulster, which includes Cimbaeth, Macha and Conchobar Mac Nessa.

See the Early House of Ulster in the Ulster Cycle genealogy.