Dal Riada

While writing about Scottish history and Celtic history I attempt to give you an overview of the topic. Sometimes I wish to elaborate on certain important aspects. I believe that some of these elements are important to know for those interested in their Scottish history, even if they are only interested in the history of their Scottish Clan.

The Dal Riada is one such aspect. Simply put, the Dal Riada was a Gaelic kingdom, dating back to as early as 100AD. This kingdom holds importance in the history of many peoples including not only the inhabitants of what is now Scotland but also those of Ireland.

The Dal Riada kingdom holds it’s origins in Ireland, specifically Darini in the north-east corner of Ireland bordering with the Robogdium to the north and the Uluti to the south.

In about 500, after forming bonds with other local Kingdoms, Fergus Mor mac Eirc, established a new Kingdom in Scotland in Argyll. This became the first kingdom of what are now recognized as Scots. Most of the future Scottish kings are descended of Fergus, in fact so does Queen Elizabeth II.

The Scottish Dal Riada kingdom did not immediately fare well, with their numbers being greatly diminished because of warring with the Picts. Although a second wave from the original Dal Riada helped to firmly establish and keep the Scottish Dal Riada region.

The Dal Riada continued to grow and came to occupy the Argyll, Bute and the Antrim counties of Scotland and Northern Ireland. It continued to grow and prosper until the Battle of Degsastan in 603, at which the Dal Riada people suffered great casualties. This heralded the downfall of the Dal Riada Empire.

Even though the time which Dal Riada prospered is relatively short in Scottish history. It is believed that it came as a great precursor to the making of the Kingdom of Alba and ultimately modern Scotland.