Dúngal mac Selbaig facts for kids
Dúngal mac Selbaig was a king of Dál Riata, an ancient kingdom in what is now Scotland. He ruled for a short time, from about 723 to 726. His father, Selbach mac Ferchair, gave up his throne to become a monk, and Dúngal became king. However, his rule ended when Eochaid mac Echdach from another powerful family, the Cenél nGabráin, took over. A famous old poem called Duan Albanach describes Dúngal as "the Impetuous" and says he ruled for seven years, though other records suggest a shorter time.
A Kingdom Divided
For many years before Dúngal became king, two main families, the Cenél Loairn (Dúngal's family) and the Cenél nGabráin, were constantly fighting for control of Dál Riata. Dúngal's father, Selbach, had managed to defeat their rivals just before he decided to leave the throne.
However, Dúngal quickly lost power to the Cenél nGabráin. His father even left the monastery to try and help Dúngal get his kingship back, but they were not successful.
Dúngal's Later Actions
Even though Dúngal was no longer the main king of Dál Riata after 726, he might have still been the leader of his own family group, the Cenél Loairn. He definitely still had people who followed him.
In 731, Dúngal attacked and burned a place called Tairpert Boitir. This was probably Tarbert on Loch Fyne, which was in the lands controlled by his rivals, the Cenél nGabráin. Tarbert was likely an important place for moving boats or goods over land, known as a portage site.
Conflict with the Picts
In 733, old records called the Annals of Ulster say that Dúngal caused trouble on Tory Island. He forcibly removed a person named Bruide, who is thought to be the son of Óengus mac Fergusa, the powerful king of the Picts. This event might be why Dúngal earned his nickname, "the Impetuous." After this, Dúngal's cousin, Muiredach mac Ainbcellaig, became the new king of the Cenél Loairn.
In 734, Dúngal had to flee to Ireland to escape the power of King Óengus of the Picts. Dúngal eventually returned to Scotland. However, in 736, he and his brother Feredach were captured by Óengus. What happened to them after that is not known.
