Information is furnished below on the people and places affected by the events of the War of Independence (or Anglo-Irish War), 1919–1921. This conflict, which lasted from 21 January 1919–11 July 1921, was a guerrilla war fought by the flying columns of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) against the forces of the British government, including: the British Army, Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), Black & Tans, Auxiliaries, and Ulster Special Constabulary. As the conflict reached a stalemate, a truce came into effect and subsequent negotiations resulted in the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921. This led to the legal enactment of the 26-county Irish Free State in December 1922. In the entries below, readers can find out more about incidents such as the Gallagh Ambush and the Eggshed Ambush. Information is also provided on how the memory of this conflict has found expression in the county’s built and cultural heritages.
