Conor mac Grainne is the youngest son of Grainne mac Conor, the Lady of the Dalriada. His father is Ferghus, a harpist of the Maghuin Dhonn. Like his father, he is a gifted musician. He is married to Alais de la Courcel.
Growing up, he was not aware of his parentage, though Ferghus would occasionally visit him. Ferghus told Conor he was his father and taught his son a song to play to summon him, but Conor would not believe him. His mother told him that his father was a bard but neglected to tell him that he was Maghuin Dhonn.