Loarn mac Eirc
Loarn mac Eirc was a legendary king of Dál Riata who may have lived in the 5th century.
The Duan Albanach and the Senchus Fer n-Alban and other genealogies name Loarn's father as Erc son of Eochaid Muinremuir. There are no records or traditions of Loarn as king, and his main significance is as the eponymous ancestor of the Cenél Loairn kindred.
Cenél Loairn
The Cenél Loairn controlled parts of northern Argyll around the Firth of Lorne, most probably centred on Lorne but perhaps including the Isle of Mull, Morvern and Ardnamurchan. The chief place of the kingdom appears to have been at Dun Ollaigh, near Oban. The chief religious site may have been on Lismore, later the seat of the High Medieval bishop of Argyll.
Descendants of Loarn
Several kings of Dál Riata were members of the Cenél Loairn, and thus claimed descent from Loarn.
- Ferchar Fota
- Ainbcellach mac Ferchair
- Selbach mac Ferchair
- Dúngal mac Selbaig
- Muiredach mac Ainbcellaig
In High Medieval times the Mormaers of Moray claimed descent from Loarn.
- Findláech mac Ruaidrí
- Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti
- Gille Coemgáin mac Máil Brigti
- Mac Bethad mac Findláich (also king of Alba)
- Lulach mac Gille Coemgáin (also king of Alba)
- Máel Snechtai mac Lulaich
- Óengus
References
- Bannerman, John, Studies in the History of Dalriada. Scottish Academic Press, Edinburgh, 1974. ISBN 0-7011-2040-1
- Broun, Dauvit, The Irish Identity of the Kingdom of the Scots in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries. Boydell, Woodbridge, 1999. ISBN 0-85115-375-5