This collection consists of files relating to Irish Lights during World War I, and the Irish War of Independence and Civil War, covering the period 1914-1931. The files contain reports, letters and telegrams from Lightkeepers and other Irish Lights personnel around the coast; correspondence with the government and state bodies including the British Army and Navy, members of Dail Eireann and the new Departments of the State; and instructions, memoranda and official documents issued to Irish Lights by Government Departments and State bodies. Topics covered include reducing or extinguishing lights ; submarine sightings and attacks ; rescue of shipwrecked crews; and raids on lighthouses.

File contains reports from Michael Polly, Principal Keeper Dunmore East, and J. Connolly, Assistant Keeper, of sighting several ships sunk in the area having been torpedoed or struck mines. Also included are details or crews being landed in Dunmore East.

File contains reports from W. Eager, Principal Keeper Hook Tower, of sighting several Patrol Boats sunk in the area having struck mines. Also included are details of a large Barque torpedoed and sunk on 29 April 1917.

File contains reports from Henry Thomas Murphy, Principal Keeper Mine Head, and Henry Hammond, Principal Keeper, of submarine sightings and attacks on ships in the area.

File contains letters from R. J. Duffy and J. Ryan, Principal Keepers Galley Head. Included are details of: reporting to Coastguard re lifeboats from torpedoed vessel SS 'Arabic' (August 1915) ; reports of dead bodies of two women washed ashore from 'Arabic' disaster (October 1915) ; report of cargo steamer sunk (September 1916) ; reports of Danger Signals flown by boats in distress (October 1917 and March 1918).

File contains report from J. Devaney, Principal Keeper Rockabill, regarding a Police Search of the lighthouse premises for illicit spirits.

File contains letter from John Hamilton, Principal Keeper Sligo, reporting sighting of submarine (June 1917).

File contains report of Obstruction to Navigation in Tralee Bay. Further includes reports of the sinking of a Norwegian Steamer (April 1916), and newspaper cuttings re seizure of arms in Tralee Bay and arrest of Sinn Fein Volunteers (24 April 1916).

File contains report by F. R. Duffy, Principal Keeper Duncannon North, of a Raid on the Station on 21 May 1921 by members of the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence. A small telescope was taken in the raid and the matter reported to local police.

File contains letter and telegram from, A. O'Leary, Assistant Keeper Straw Island, reporting dead body of a woman washed ashore believed to be from the 'Lusitania'.

File contains letters from J. Glanville, Principal Keeper Mutton Island, reporting dates Mutton Island Light and Margaretta Buoy Light extinguished and lighted.

File contains letter from W. Glanville, Principal Keeper Kilcredaun, reporting Patrol Boats mine sweeping in vicinity of Station (June 1917).

File contains report from J. Rowlands, Commander of SS 'Ierne', of assistance rendered to SS 'Arlington Court' by towing sinking vessel into Berehaven.

File contains letters from John F. Connell, Principal Keeper Scattery Island, with observations on boats in the vicinity of Station and report of sinking of SS 'Fulgent'.

File contains letters and telegrams from J. J. Sweeney, James O'Connor, and A. J. Hamilton, Assistant Keepers Mizen Head, and T. P. Murphy, Principal Keeper. Included are details of: instructions from Admiralty re reporting submarines or suspicious vessels ; reports of submarine sightings ; rewards for reporting submarines ; instructions to screen all Lights at the Station.

File contains report from J. Rowlands, Commander of SS 'Ierne', of rescue of Crew Norwegian SS 'Storstad'. The SS 'Ierne' picked up a waterlogged lifeboat containing Chief Officer and 13 Crew and landed them at Valentia.

File contains report from D. Hamilton, Principal Keeper Howth Pier, of Howth Pier Lighthouse hit with three rifle bullets at 1 a.m. One pane of glass in Lantern riddled; Light Apparatus uninjured.

File contains letters from H. Crowley, Principal Keeper Broadhaven, reporting sighting of suspicious object (May 1915) and sinking of SS 'Aranmore', torpedoed by German submarine (March 1916).

File contains letters from Thomas F. Ryan, Principal Keeper Blackhead, with details of: ships torpedoed and sunk near Station (February 1915 and December 1917) ; actions taken in reporting Enemy submarine (May 1918).

File contains list of Crew and Officers on SS 'Alexandra' granted Admiralty Award for sinking mine in Sligo Bay on 15 December 1917. Includes report from R. C. Hill, Commander, re receipt of cheques.

File contains report from R. Somers, Principal Keeper, regarding Carbide etc. stolen from Haulbowline: 17 October 1922: P. K. reports that on his liberty ashore he found the Carbide Store broken open and five 1 cwt. drums of Carbide, with about 20 fms. of 2" rope taken away. He has informed the Police at Kilkeel. There is no one living at the Station when he is on Rock, as his wife is dead and all his family are away.

File contains report from W. Glanville, Principal Keeper, regarding Raid on Kilcredaun Lighthouse during the Irish Civil War. The Raid was carried out by the Irish Republican Army (Anti-Treaty) forces: 13 January 1923: Station raided by a party of armed and masked men at 9pm who carried off the telephone.

Files contain letters from R. H. James and J. W. Byrne, Principal Keepers Slyne Head; and W. Bird, Assistant Keeper, reporting suspicious vessel and crews of SS 'Atalanta' and Schooner 'Emma' landing safely following submarine attacks.

File contains report from T. Glanville, Principal Keeper, regarding Raid on Blacksod Lighthouse after the Irish War of Independence. The Raid was carried out by the Irish Republican Army: 15 May 1922: Station raided by party of men at 2.30 am. No damage done and nothing taken.