A pursuit followed, which extended all over Ireland, during which the young couple always escaped.

So deeply is the tradition engraven in the popular mind, that the cromlechs are still called the "Beds of Diarmaid and Grainne," and shown as the resting-places of the fugitive lovers.
There are many other tales of a purely imaginative character, which, for interest, might well rival the world-famous Arabian Nights' Entertainments; and, for importance of details, illustrative of manners, customs, dress, weapons, and localities, are, perhaps, unequalled.
Nial of the Nine Hostages and Dathi are the last pagan monarchs who demand special notice.

In the year 322, Fiacha Sraibhtine was slain by the three Collas,[107] and a few short-lived monarchs succeeded.

In 378, Crimhthann was poisoned by his sister, who hoped that her eldest son, Brian, might obtain the royal power.

Her attempt failed, although she sacrificed herself for its accomplishment, by taking the poisoned cup to remove her brother's suspicions; and Nial of the Nine Hostages, the son of her husband by a former wife, succeeded to the coveted dignity.