The Kingdom of Dal 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 parts of Ireland. The kingdom was known for its strong maritime culture and played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the region. Dal Riata was ruled by a series of kings, with notable figures such as Fergus Mór and Aedan mac Gabráin. The kingdom's influence waned due to internal strife and external pressures from neighboring kingdoms, leading to its eventual absorption into the larger Kingdom of Scotland.