Eochaidh III mac Eochada King of Dál Riada ¹⁶⁸⁸

  General Notes:

Eochaid ( Scottish Gaelic: Eochaid mac Eochada or Eochaid Angbhadh) was king of Dál Riada (modern western Scotland) from 726 until 733. He was a son of Eochaid mac Domangairt.

Eochaid came to power as king of Dál Riada in 726, presumably deposing Dungal mac Selbaich. Selbach may have tried to restore his son to power, and fought against Eochaid's supporters at Irros Foichnae in 727, but without apparent success. The annals vary as to whether the despatch of a fleet from Dál Riata to Ireland to aid Flaithbertach mac Loingsig in his war with Áed Allán mac Fergaile should be placed in the reign of Eochaid, or that of his successor.

At his death in 733, Eochaid is named king rather than lord of Dál Riada, which may suggest that after the defeat of Dungal and Selbach his reign was unchallenged. His son, Aed Find, was later king of Dál Riada.

As Dál Riada certainly maintained a separate existence until 736, Eochaid must have had a successor, or successors. It is perhaps simplest to assume that he was followed by a brother, Alpin mac Eochada, who would then reign for four years according to the Duan Albanach. In that case Muiredach mac Ainbcellaich, and perhaps Dungal mac Selbaich from 726 to 733, would be sub-kings of the Cenél Loairn. ¹⁶⁷⁸

  Life Events:

1. Acceded: King of Dál Riada, 721-733.

Eochaidh married Spondan.