In what year was Ireland officially declared a republic?

Okay, let's talk about Ireland becoming a republic. The story goes back centuries, really, with Ireland seeking greater independence from British rule. After a long struggle, much of Ireland gained independence in 1922, becoming the Irish Free State. However, the Free State was still technically a dominion within the British Commonwealth, meaning the British monarch remained the head of state. This wasn't full independence in the eyes of many Irish people. It wasn't until 1949, specifically April 18th, that the Republic of Ireland Act came into effect, officially declaring Ireland a republic and severing its remaining ties with the British Crown. This was a significant moment, marking the final step in Ireland's journey to complete self-governance. So, while Ireland had been largely independent for decades, it was 1949 that made it a republic in name and in reality. The other dates are important in Irish history but don't mark this specific event.