Young Ireland

Irish romantic nationalist organization, centred on a group of young idealists associated with the Nation newspaper from 1844. They sought to create a non-sectarian spirit in an independent Ireland, and promoted Irish cultural nationalism. Young Ireland initially sided with Daniel O'Connell's Repeal Association, but split over his nonviolent policies and organized a disastrous rebellion in Tipperary in 1848 led by William Smith O'Brien (1803–1864) and Thomas Meagher. Its failure destroyed Young Ireland, most of the leaders fled abroad or were transported to the penal colonies, but they left a lasting legacy in their concept of a cultural nationalism.

Notable founders of Young Ireland included Thomas Davis, Charles Duffy, John Blake Dillon (1816–1866), and Thomas D'Arcy McGee, who returned from the USA in 1845. The group was named for its similarities with other continental nationalist groups, such as the Young Italy organization.