The Phoenix

[stuckontwo]

26 Across. Irish midlands county loses an 'I', but in so doing, gains an 'r'. Far out! (4). L-O-

[elliemay1]

Lao(i)s ?

[stuckontwo]

Looks likely, but what's with the 'r' part of clue. #Baffled.

[dannyk13]

Laos _ Laois(Irish county) minus i

[elliemay1]

I know, Danny, but how do you parse the second part?

[Mamyalynne]

Can you see the rest?

[stuckontwo]

Wondering if the addition of an 'r' would give us solar. Thus LAOS? Just asking.

[dannyk13]

Solar looks OK.

[elliemay1]

Don't get it!

[stuckontwo]

I don't either. Very misleading clue.

[Mamyalynne]

Lost.

[Captain2]

I suppose the 'solar system' is pretty 'far out'?

[fiction-factory]

I'm not even sure of the definition here never mind the relevance of gaining an R

[elliemay1]

In that case 'solar' should be the answer

[stuckontwo]

Thank you all very much.

[fiction-factory]

Did you settle on LAOS then please?

[fiction-factory]

Hi- which paper /magazine is this crossword in lease, stuckontwo?

[fiction-factory]

Found the paer/magazine, I think. Not found the crossword yet though.
https://www.thephoenix.ie/current-issue/

[stuckontwo]

Yes its the Phoenix Magazine, current affairs magazine from Dublin, issue dated 1st of December. Thanks.

[stuckontwo]

Print version. Thanks.

[fiction-factory]

Please would you let us know the answer when it's published.