Singer Christy Moore yesterday claimed his two-hour detention at the Welsh port of Holyhead on Monday was "saddening and frightening".
The singer and his driver were stopped, then separated and questioned, while entering Britain for a number of shows.
The singer was not carrying photographic identification at the time and was surprised and angered by the port authorities' handling of the matter.
In a statement he said yesterday: "My driver and I were stopped and held for two hours at Holyhead last Monday, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002. My driver and I were held separately in two interrogation rooms. I found the whole experience threatening. I was questioned about the contents of my briefcase."
Despite initial reports to the contrary, the singer's van, which was full of musical equipment, was not searched.
"I was questioned about lyrics of songs and I was asked a lot of personal questions about members of my family and my children and about my home. At no time was I given any explanation as to why I was being held and interrogated in this manner," he added.
He said the fact that Irish people are still being treated this way on their way to the UK is very "saddening".
"I had hoped to deal with this matter out of the public domain. But seeing as it has become a news item, I feel the need to offer my side of the story. I found the whole affair quite frightening."
It is understood his driver tried to contact the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, to resolve the issue. The Department confirmed that officials were aware of the incident and that the Minister had contacted the singer.
The British Home Office last night said it was aware of the incident but could not comment.