what are fenians in ireland

The Fenians in Ireland were members of a secret Irish nationalist movement in the mid-to-late 19th century aimed at ending British rule and establishing an independent Irish Republic. The movement took its name from the legendary Fianna, a mythical band of Irish warriors led by Finn MacCumhaill. The organization was founded in Ireland as the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) in 1858 by James Stephens, and had a counterpart in the United States known as the Fenian Brotherhood, led by John O'Mahony. The Fenians sought to achieve Irish independence primarily through armed rebellion and revolution. They planned and attempted uprisings in Ireland, notably in 1867, though these were largely unsuccessful due to British government suppression and poor coordination. The Fenians also launched raids from the U.S. into British Canada during the 1860s as part of their strategy to pressure Britain. Despite their failures, the Fenians significantly influenced Irish nationalism and public support for independence, contributing to later movements like the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and political developments in Ireland. The Fenian movement is important historically for maintaining the spirit of resistance against British rule in Ireland and influencing attitudes leading to reforms and eventual Irish self-governance efforts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.