How would you say "...for what it is.."? as in ..seeing "something (or someone)" for what it is
...mar atá sé?
...an rud atá ann?
Or something else?

MacBoo,
Can you be more specific in context what exactly you are trying to get across. If it is something along the lines of "be that as it may" I would suggest "Bíodh sin mar atá sé" The important thing is to translate for meaning using Irish idiom and thinking as opposed to "word for word" from English or any other language.
Séamus

Rud a thabhairt chun solais (to bring something to light) is in Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla and the Cork Irish dictionary. Not exactly what you were asking for, but close I think.

_________________
Táim ag foghlaim fós. Fáilte roimh gach aon cheartúchán.

The essence of something; the fundamental quality of something; the basic form or material of something: - what it is.

A couple of examples that I hope will clarify it.

I see it now for what it is = I finally understand the nature of the thing
I see him for what he is = I recognize the underlying character of the man

Sorry if I'm not explaining myself very well.