Máel Dúin mac Conaill facts for kids

Máel Dúin mac Conaill (died in 688) was a king in a place called Dál Riata. This area is now part of western Scotland.

Máel Dúin was the son of Conall Crandomna. We know he died in 688 because old records, like the Annals of Ulster, mention his death. However, these records don't say exactly what his title was. Another old text, the Duan Albanach, lists him as a king after his brother, Domnall Donn. This text suggests he ruled for 17 years, but historians think this might not be accurate.

Who Was Máel Dúin?

It's a bit tricky to know everything about Máel Dúin because the old historical records aren't always clear. Historians believe that Máel Dúin likely shared power with his brother, Domnall Donn. They probably ruled over the lands of the Cenél nGabráin. This was a powerful family group in the area of Kintyre, which is also in modern-day Scotland.

Máel Dúin's Role

Even though Máel Dúin and his brother were important rulers in their own region, it's not thought that they were the "high kings" of all Dál Riata. A high king would have been the most powerful ruler over the entire kingdom. Máel Dúin and Domnall Donn likely ruled a smaller, but still important, part of it.

Challenges of the Time

During Máel Dúin's time, the lands of the Cenél nGabráin faced challenges from other powerful groups. It's not clear if their lands were under the control of Ecgfrith of Northumbria, who was a strong king from a different kingdom. It's also uncertain if they were controlled by Ferchar Fota from the Cenél Loairn, another important family group in Dál Riata. History from this period can be hard to piece together!

The next known king from the Cenél nGabráin family after Máel Dúin was Eochaid mac Domangairt.