Dúngal Eilni mac Scandail

Who was Dúngal Eilni mac Scandail?

Dúngal Eilni mac Scandail was a Dal nAraide king of the Cruithne. He came to the rule of these tribes some time after 668. He was the son of Scandal mac Bécce, a previous king.

In the 6th and 7th centuries the Dal nAraide were part of a confederation of Cruithne tribes in Ulaid and were the dominant members. Dungal belonged to a branch of this family settled in Mag nEinli, a plain between the Bann and Bush in County Antrim. He is styled King of the Cruithne in the annals.

In 681 he and Cenn Fáelad mac Suibne, chief of Ciannachta of Glenn Geimin were defeated by Máel Dúin mac Máele Fithrich of the Cenél nEógan at what was called the burning of the kings at Dún Ceithirn.

His sons Ailill mac Dúngaile Eilni and Cú Chuarán mac Dúngail Eilni would also become chiefs of the dal nAraide, Cú Chuarán was King of all Ulaid as well.