Dál Riata was an ancient Gaelic kingdom that existed from the 5th to the 9th centuries. It was located in what is now western Scotland and northeastern Ireland. The kingdom was known for its strong maritime culture and trade, as well as its influence on the spread of Christianity in the region. The people of Dál Riata were primarily Gaels, who spoke the Gaelic language. The kingdom was divided into several tribes, with its capital likely at Dunadd in Scotland. Dál Riata played a significant role in the early history of both Scotland and Ireland, contributing to the formation of later Scottish identity.