Irish tour guide forced to apologise after ‘disturbing’ April Fool’s joke

Irish tour guide causes outrage with ‘disturbing’ April Fool’s joke after claiming Cliffs of Moher would be lowered 300ft to give ‘jumpers a better survival rate’

  • Irish tourism listings site apologise for ‘disturbing’ April Fool’s post about suicide
  • Referenced ‘jumpers’ after claiming the height of the nearby Cliffs of Moher would be reduced by 200 metres 
  • Outraged social media users expressed disgust at the ‘vile’ and ‘insensitive’ post
  • For confidential support call Samaritans on 116123 or go to samaritans.org

An Irish tour guide has been forced to apologise to social media users for their ‘disturbing’ April Fool’s post about suicide.  

Taking to Facebook yesterday, the page called ‘Doolin – Visit Doolin’ caused outrage after claiming the local tourist site Cliffs of Moher would be lowered 300ft to give ‘jumpers a better survival rate.’ 

The post, which could still be seen this morning, read: ‘Health and Safety changes from Cliffs of Moher will result in the height of cliffs being reduced by 200 metres. 

‘This may distract from the consumer experience of Doolin Pier rubberneckers but at least the jumpers that did not read the Samitarian signs will have a much better survival rate.’

And many social media users were quick to express their disgust at the ‘vile’ and ‘insensitive’ post – with one urging: ‘Take it down. Both the wording and the image are utterly irresponsible. No consideration for those who struggle with suicidal ideation or families who have lost a loved one to suicide.’

An Irish tourism listings site has been forced to apologise to social media users for their ‘disturbing’ April Fool’s post about suicide. Pictured, cliffs of Moher

Taking to Facebook yesterday (pictured), the page called 'Doolin - Visit Doolin' caused outrage after claiming the local tourist site Cliffs of Moher would be lowered 300ft to give 'jumpers a better survival rate'

Taking to Facebook yesterday (pictured), the page called ‘Doolin – Visit Doolin’ caused outrage after claiming the local tourist site Cliffs of Moher would be lowered 300ft to give ‘jumpers a better survival rate’

A second commented: ‘I actually cannot believe my eyes. Poor taste doesn’t even cover it… I’m at a loss as to how this is one bit humorous… Disgraceful and completely disrespectful,’ while a third added: 

‘As a person with mental problems I find this post very disturbing.. I have a good sense of humour but this is very very hurtful to numerous people, family and relations of suicide victims in particular.. Shameful..’ 

The entire page appears to have since been deleted and following the backlash, the team behind the Facebook page apologised and penned: ‘Hi Fans. It seems one of our members posted an April 1st post, while humour intended, it may have caused offence to some… If anyone was offended, I will take flak. Niamh.’

The Facebook page appears to be listed as a local travel website with several of businesses in the north Clare village featured on its site and is linked to a website called www.visitdoolin.ie.

Another Doolin social media page separate from 'Doolin - Visit Doolin' penned: 'Another page claiming to represent local businesses in Doolin posted a disgraceful & upsetting status yesterday on their page as an April Fool's "joke". This was no joke. 'The page has since been removed but has been published again with the offending posts removed by the administrator of the page' (pictured)

Another Doolin social media page separate from ‘Doolin – Visit Doolin’ penned: ‘Another page claiming to represent local businesses in Doolin posted a disgraceful & upsetting status yesterday on their page as an April Fool’s “joke”. This was no joke. ‘The page has since been removed but has been published again with the offending posts removed by the administrator of the page’ (pictured)

Elsewhere, another Doolin social media page separate from ‘Doolin – Visit Doolin’ penned: ***IMPORTANT NOTICE*** – Updated***Hi guys – another page claiming to represent local businesses in Doolin posted a disgraceful & upsetting status yesterday on their page as an April Fool’s “joke”. This was no joke. 

‘The page has since been removed but has been published again with the offending posts removed by the administrator of the page.’ 

The ‘Doolin – Visit Doolin’ page is NOT endorsed by Doolin Tourism or promoted by us, and it certainly DOES NOT represent the local community of Doolin.’ 

‘It has been a long, continuous battle for Doolin Tourism and our community to get the offending page and its other associated pages removed permanently, as it is causing extreme stress to our community and now the wider public. 

Taking to the comments section, one person penned: 'What kind of person does it take to even think like that let alone post it, worrying'

Taking to the comments section, one person penned: ‘What kind of person does it take to even think like that let alone post it, worrying’

‘An Garda Síochána have been made aware of the situation on numerous occasions throughout the years but have advised there is nothing they can do. Facebook continues to allow this page to share hate speech and disturbing content. 

‘We hope that what happened yesterday isn’t repeated and that the offending page is removed permanently by Facebook.’ 

Many thanked the Doolin Tourism page for clarifying that the offensive Facebook page had been removed, with others saying it was ‘too late’ because the post had already caused ‘a lot of damage.’ 

‘What kind of person does it take to even think like that let alone post it, worrying,’ wrote one,’ while a second penned: ‘We were so disgusted by this web page we were thinking of bi-passing Doolin altogether on our 2022 visit.

‘We look forward to enjoying a pint at O’Connor’s pub.’

For confidential support call Samaritans on 116123 or go to samaritans.org