What does the cryptic crossword clue "Hard rock in set of bars around UK province (7)" mean?

The definition is "Hard rock". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). NI (synonym="Northern Ireland, UK province") in GRATE (synonym="”set of bars” around NI (Northern Ireland") = GRANITE; definition: "Hard rock" The answer is GRANITE.

Hard rock in set of bars around UK province (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29323 | 4 Down | 2024-03-06 flower

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