Has nine of what's on all sides today (6)
I believe the answer is:
ulster
'today' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ulster that I've seen before include "A heavy coat" , "Overcoat; former kingdom in Ireland" , "Long loose overcoat, from the province?" , "Cloak for an Irish province" , "Odd result for the North" .)