Definition: Young Ireland was a group of intellectual Irish nationalists active in Ireland from 1842 to 1848, and centered around a political newspaper, The Nation. Its members were originally affiliated with the Repeal Movement of Daniel O'Connell, but more militant members split with O'Connell's ideas when he demanded that they renounce the use of force.
The more fiery Young Ireland members formed a group called the Irish Confederation, which staged a rebellion in 1848. The uprising was a failure, and the leaders of Young Ireland either fled the country or were tried, convicted, and punished by being transported to penal colonies.
