Overview
Dál Riata was a Gaelic overkingdom that existed from approximately 498 CE to 843 CE, encompassing parts of western Scotland and northeastern Ulster in Ireland. At its height in the 6th and 7th centuries, it covered what is now Argyll in Scotland and part of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The kingdom was known for its strong seafaring culture and its capital is believed to have been the hillfort of Dunadd. Dál Riata played a significant role in the spread of Celtic Christianity through the monastery of Iona, and after a period of expansion, it eventually became associated with the Gaelic Kingdom of Alba.
Historical Periods
Dál Riata (540–586)
540 CE – 586 CE
Area: 15,855 km²
Dál Riata (587–611)
587 CE – 611 CE
Area: 16,474 km²
Dál Riata (612–625)
612 CE – 625 CE
Area: 18,488 km²
Dál Riata (626–643)
626 CE – 643 CE
Area: 17,680 km²
Dál Riata (644–749)
644 CE – 749 CE
Area: 14,700 km²
Dál Riata (750–824)
750 CE – 824 CE
Area: 59,850 km²
Dál Riata (825–839)
825 CE – 839 CE
Area: 58,440 km²
Dál Riata (840–849)
840 CE – 849 CE
Area: 41,873 km²
Dál Riata (850–859)
850 CE – 859 CE
Area: 41,914 km²
Dál Riata (860–869)
860 CE – 869 CE
Area: 41,873 km²
Showing 10 of 13 periods. Sign in to see all.