In this episode of Blúiríní Béaloidis, host Jonny Dillon is joined by sculptor Aidan Harte to discuss his recent work, The Púca of Ennistymon. Commissioned by Clare County Council for the town of Ennistymon in the west of Ireland, the sculpture sparked national and international controversy, with critics denouncing it as a pagan idol and an unrepresentative symbol of the town’s heritage.

Together, Jonny and Aidan delve into the debates surrounding the piece and the differing perspectives it has provoked, before turning to the fascinating folklore of the Púca itself. The Púca is a solitary and enigmatic spirit in Irish folk tradition, often associated with the untamed landscapes of rural Ireland. Tales describe him as a nocturnal wanderer, frolicking in hayfields, spoiling roadside fruit, and haunting glens, caves, cliffs, and other liminal spaces that bear his name. His shape-shifting nature is central to his lore, with appearances ranging from a horse or goat to a dog, man, or even a streak of light. Many mushrooms are named after him, hinting at his elusive and amorphous character.

Encounters with the Púca are equally varied. Some describe terrifying nighttime rides, as the Púca hoists unwitting travellers onto his back for a harrowing cross-country dash, leaping ditches and hedges or skimming cliff edges. Yet, other stories highlight his protective role, safeguarding people from greater dangers or serving as a guardian spirit for castles and estates. Join Jonny and Aidan as they explore the chaotic, shadowy figure of the Púca, a being that embodies both "malignancy and mischief" and the enduring mystery of Irish folklore.