United Nations peace operations have been a significant part of Ireland’s contribution to peace and security since 1958. This book provides an overview focused on the major operations up to 2000: The Congo (1960-64), Cyprus (1964-74) and Lebanon (1978-2000). After introducing the origins and main types of UN peace operations, the book lays out the historical and post colonial context of these three crises, and outlines the operational history of these missions from the perspective of the Irish units.