Isolated in Dublin , with the king desiring to minimize his Irish troops , Ormonde therefore agreed to a `` cessation '' or ceasefire with the Catholics , which began in September 1643 , by which the greater part of Ireland was given up into the hands of the Catholic Confederation ( leaving only districts in the north , the Dublin Pale , round Cork City , and certain smallish garrisons in the possession of Protestant commanders ) .
This left only districts in the north , the Dublin Pale , round Cork City , and certain smallish garrisons in the possession of Protestant commanders .