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Lovin Dublin said today that Eurasian wolves are to be released into Dublin's Phoenix Park to cull the deer population. Alamy Stock Photo
april fool's day
Wolves in Phoenix Park and public transport goes contactless: Today's best jokes (so far)
We’ve put together a round-up of our favourite April Fool’s pranks of the day.
LOVE IT OR hate it, April Fool’s Day has arrived, and brought with it the usual mischief from organisations hoping to prank the public.
There were some strong contenders today, from LadBible’s rage baiting announcement that Dublin Bus was immediately installing contactless payments, to the National Ploughing Competitions saying the annual event would be held under a dome this year.
Here is a round-up of our favourite pranks of the day (so far).
Trump to join Mount Rushmore
The Daily Mail kicked off the day with a report that the stone head of US President Donald Trump would be joining those of former US presidents on Mount Rushmore.
This was worryingly believable seeing as Trump unapologetically covets a spot on the iconic sculpture.
Electrifying Molly Malone
A personal favourite of mine was Discover Dublin’s announcement that the Molly Malone statue is to be electrified to discourage gropers.
They reported that Dublin City Council was making the move as a “last resort” to keep people away with electric shocks.
“The system is described as “safe but effective” and will be introduced on a trial basis this week.”
Wolves in Phoenix Park
Lovin Dublin went wild when they said Eurasian wolves are to be released into Dublin’s Phoenix Park to cull the deer population.
The cherry on top was that they said the State would be forking out €25m for collars for the wolves.
Public transport goes contactless
In news we wish was true, LadBible said contactless card payments will be accepted on all public transport in the capital from today.
Likely upsetting every commuter in Dublin, they said passengers can finally tap on to public transport.
“The move from leap cards was originally planned for 2028, but officials have confirmed they’ve moved it forward after realising how ridiculous that sounds,” they said.
Cameron Winter meet and greet
Trinity FM carried out a cruel prank when they announced a fake meet and greet with Geese frontman Cameron Winter.
They even posted the event on eventbrite and said tickets were free. It’s not due to take place until 5pm though, so who knows, maybe Trinity FM has some amazing connections.
Congestion charge
Discover Dublin was on a roll today. They also announced that Dublin City Council will be introducing a congestion charge in Dublin City from 1 June.
They said motorists entering the city centre during peak hours will be charged €10.
Drivers have flooded the comments to share their sincere hope this is, in fact, an April Fool’s Day prank.
Ireland’s new cheese festival
Kilkenny Live was also having a bit of fun today when they reported that Kilkenny has bet major cities in countries including France and Italy to host a European Cheese Festival.
They said the city is planning to install a ‘fondue plunge’ and a giant rotating cheese wheel lit up like a disco ball to celebrate the occasion.
National Ploughing dome
The National Ploughing Championship has famously been graced with awful weather in the past – but the organisers have finally found a solution.
Today they pranked the public by saying the entire event will be covered by a giant dome this year to protect visitors from the elements.
Buckley 007
Irish outlets weren’t the only ones pulling pranks today. EuroNews announced that the seventh James Bond is going to be Kerry actress Jessie Buckley.
To be fair, she’d do a great job.
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