Niafer is the name of an Irish Clan, the Nia Fer, who were the guardians of the High King of Tara. The epithet of Nia Fer means “Hero of Men.” Very little is known about this family. It is believed that they originated in the west country, somewhat north of Lough Mask. In the days when Cormac mac Airt first rose to the high kingship of all Eire, the Niafer were called to leave their home and travel to Tara. For reasons we do not know, Cormac appointed the Niafer as Guardians of Tara and gave them lands in Meath, near the mouth of the Boinne. They established themselves at Inver Colpa.

One of the better known figures of Irish legend is Cairpre (or Caibre) Niafer, the King of Temair (Gaelic for “Tara”) in the Ulster Cycle. He was the son of Ross Ruad (“The Red”) of Leinster, brother of Ailill (King of Connaught and married to Medb) and of Find (King of Leinster). Since Cairpre was ruler of Tara he was High King over Leinster and Míde, a 5th province in that time. He was married to Fedelm Noíchrothach, daughter of Conchobar mac Nessa, and they had a son, Erc, and a daughter, Achall.

Cairpre Niafer was the enemy of Cúchulainn, probably because of rivalry over Fedelm, and was killed by Cúchulainn in the Battle of Ros na Ríg. His son Erc was part of the conspiracy that later killed Cúchulainn.

Sources:

Dictionary of Celtic Mythology: Cairpre Nia Fer, James MacKillop, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1998

Ancient Irish Tales: The Cattle Raid of Cooley, Cross and Slover, Barnes & Noble, 1936

Mythical Ireland

Celtic Grounds - Encyclopedia of the Celts

Sacred Texts - The Cattle Raid of Cooley

Shee-Eire; Cairpre Nia Fer

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