Lóegaire Clan

One of the largest families in Newgrange, you, your cousins, and your other kin number over a hundred strong. Lóegaires founded the village with the Uínéill and Bregha families. Close ties to the ruling Uínéill Clan ensure your family’s security and future. A historic rivalry with the Bregha clan, most of whom have moved far away to to northeast of Midhe, has been peaceful for more than a generation.

Like the Uínéills, your family traces its lineage back to one of the old High Kings at Tara: Lóegaire man Neill, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, the king who with Arthur of Prydaín repelled the Zealots. This is history over 500 years old; there are no more High Kings, and the royal lineages diluted and dissipated years ago. Owing perhaps more to habits than divine intent, descendants of the High Kings are often found playing significant roles in government.

The Lóegaires own much of the farmland around Newgrange, and are significant merchants in the village. One of your relatives owns a shipping concern which navigates barges up and down the Boyne River to Tara. The Newgrange branch of the family is very conservative, occupying important positions in local business and government. Position in society comes some responsibility; you are descendants of the line of Níall, and are expected to follow in the various traditions and practices of the family.

Each year the family has a large festival where all members, even those few who have moved to distant places, return to visit and party. The inns are packed with visitors, your own home no doubt hosting more than a few visiting cousins. At the height of the festival, the clan patriarch (currently Padraig Logaire) will burn a giant wicker stag. A roan stag is the symbol of your clan, a reminder that your founders – and many of your family – are followers of Cernunnos, the horned god and wild man of the wood.