Muiredach mac Ainbcellaig facts for kids

Muiredach mac Ainbcellaig was a king who ruled parts of what is now western Scotland. He was king of the Cenél Loairn and Dál Riata from about 733 to 736.

Becoming King

Muiredach was the son of Ainbcellach mac Ferchair. He became king in 733. Historical records, called Irish annals, mention his rise to power. It's not clear exactly who was king of Cenél Loairn before him, but it might have been his cousin, Dúngal mac Selbaig. Muiredach is also mentioned in an old poem from the 11th century called Duan Albanach, which lists early Scottish kings.

End of His Rule

Muiredach's time as king likely ended because he was defeated in battle. He fought against the Picts, a powerful group from ancient Scotland. The Picts were led by Talorgan mac Fergusa, who was the brother of Óengus, a very strong Pictish king. This battle happened at a place called "Cnoc Cairpri in Calathros at Etarlinde." The Annals of Ulster, another historical record, tells us about this battle. However, it doesn't say that Muiredach died in it.

After Muiredach

After Muiredach's defeat in 736, the kingdoms of Cenél Loairn and Dál Riata probably stopped being independent. They became part of the larger kingdom of the Picts, which was ruled by Óengus mac Fergusa. The next king of Dál Riata mentioned in the Irish annals was Áed Find, who appeared in records in 768. Some Scottish historical writings, like the Chronicle of Melrose, suggest that Muiredach's son, Eógan, became king after him.

When Did He Die?

The exact year of Muiredach's death is a bit unclear. An old record called the Annals of the Four Masters says he died in 771. This year might actually mean around 776 AD, or even as late as 778 AD. This is because the death of King Áed Find is also recorded in the same year.