Ireland's independence is marked by several important dates:

• The Irish Republic was proclaimed by Irish politicians in January 1919 when the First Dáil (Irish Parliament) convened, declaring Ireland an independent country. This date represents the formal assertion of independence and the start of the Irish War of Independence.

• The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed on December 6, 1921. This treaty ended British rule in most of Ireland and led to the establishment of the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth.

• The Irish Free State officially came into existence one year later on December 6, 1922, marking Ireland's formal independence as a dominion with partial autonomy.

• Further independence steps culminated in 1949 when the Republic of Ireland Act came into force, declaring Ireland a republic and leaving the British Commonwealth fully, which is considered the final step in the country's complete sovereignty.

In summary, Ireland's journey to independence involved a declaration in 1919, the establishment of the Free State in 1922, and full republic status in 1949. The December 6, 1922 date is often cited as the official independence day for the Irish Free State. The January 21, 1919 date marks the initial declaration of independence with the First Dáil.