nAraidi
Proto-kingdom of early Ireland occupying an area east of Lough Neagh coextensive with eastern Northern Ireland, from the Slemish mountains southwards to Newry. Their eponymous founder may be Fiachu Araide, who is credited with driving Cormac mac Airt from Tara. Conn Cétchathach [of the Hundred Battles] earned his epithet in waging war against Dál nAraide. Congal Cáel, celebrated in Samuel Ferguson's poem Congal (1872), was king of Dál nAraide before he became king of all Ulster. Suibhne Geilt [Mad Sweeney] was also king here. The people of the petty kingdom were known as Dál nAraidi and thought to be Cruithin (Picts) by their neighbours.
