More than 330 troops, who are leaving for peacekeeping duties shortly in Lebanon, were inspected today by the Minister for Justice, Equality & Defence.
The soldiers are drawn mainly from the Dublin and Leinster area and are members of the 106th Infantry Battalion.
They will be working alongside Finnish Armed Forces as part of a joint Irish/Finnish battalion.
Many family members of the Irish peacekeepers were at the ceremony at McKee Barracks in Dublin.
The Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Sean McCann, was also present.
Minister Alan Shatter said Ireland's participation through the years in UNIFIL has illustrated the very positive and practical difference that small countries such as Ireland can make in the world's trouble spots.
Six members of the Defence Forces are due to leave next week to serve as observers in Syria.
The minister said there were some very disturbing reports that some people in Syria have been killed after having contact with observers from other countries.
He said the Government would monitor the situation to ensure that Irish troops are safe and can fulfil their role as monitors.
