Kilkenny Becomes Capital
Ireland was self governed from 1642-1649 under the Confederation of Kilkenny
On the 10th of May 1642, the Confederation of Kilkenny (also known as the Irish Catholic Confederation) was set up to govern Ireland. It created a green flag with a harp (pictured below), both of which are now recognisably strong symbols of Ireland throughout the world today. Although it was not the first use of the Irish harp on a flag, it was the first time that the colour green was used.
The Confederation was composed of mainly Irish Catholic nobles, clergy and military leaders from the Irish Rebellion of 1641. It made Kilkenny the Capital of Ireland. The Confederation had a parliament called the General Assembly, an executive council called the Supreme Council, and a military. It pledged it's allegiance to Charles I who was a follower of the Anglican church, yet married a Roman Catholic.
The Parliament was held in Parliament House (pictured below) on Parliament Street. Where the entrance to the Market Yard is today. It gave Parliament Street it's name.
It was formed in the aftermath of the 1641 rebellion, both to control the popular uprising and to organise an Irish Catholic war effort against the remaining English and Scottish armies in Ireland. It was hoped that by doing this, the Irish Catholics could hold off an English or Scottish re-conquest of the country.
Throughout its existence, the Confederation waged war against the parliamentarians (Supporters of Oliver Cromwell). In 1648, it allied itself with the royalists (Supporters of King Charles I). However, in 1649 a parliamentarian army under Cromwell invaded Ireland. It defeated the Confederates and Royalists and brought the Confederation to an end.