A colourful entanglement - barmaid occasionally entertains Ireland's leader (5)
I believe the answer is:
braid
'a colourful entanglement' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'barmaid occasionally entertains ireland's leader' is the wordplay.
'occasionally' means one should take alternating letters (letters taken at regular intervals or occasions).
'entertains' is an insertion indicator.
'leader' indicates taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'irelands' is 'i'.
The alternating letters of 'barmaid' are 'brad'.
'brad' enclosing 'i' is 'BRAID'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for braid that I've seen before include "Gilded ribbon" , "Woven ornamental trimming or plait of hair" , "Hairdo formed by twisting the hair" , "woven fabric" , "Intertwine (hair)" .)