An Irish nationalist movement of the 1840s. Led by young Protestants, including Smith O’Brien (1803–64) and John Mitchel (1815–75), who, inspired by Mazzini’s Young Italy, set up their own newspaper, the Nation. It called for a revival of Ireland’s cultural heritage. At first the members of Young Ireland were associated with Daniel O’Connell in his campaign to repeal the Act of Union, but later they turned to more radical solutions. In 1848 they attempted a rebellion, which was easily suppressed, O’Brien and Mitchel being sentenced to transportation.