Crossword Genius

One Direction join one of The Eagles briefly in Europe for version of Alternative Ulster perhaps (8,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

northern ireland

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'one' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'direction join one of the eagles briefly in europe for version of alternative ulster perhaps' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'direction' could be 'north' (north is a kind of direction) and 'north' is located in the answer.
'ulster' could be 'ni' (Northern Ireland) and 'ni' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for northern ireland that I've seen is " Part of the UK".)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app