On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video allegedly showed an American tourist being whipped by a Dublin horse carriage driver, sparking debate online.
Tourists accused of dodging carriage fare face unexpected retaliation
On the X platform, a video captured a shocking moment showing tourists accused of dodging a carriage before being whipped by the driver.
Footage of the incident surfaced online, showing the driver confronting the tourists in an alleyway.
Two American tourists in Dublin allegedly attempted to flee without paying for a horse carriage ride.
Then, their driver, visibly enraged, chased them down and appeared to whip them.
He repeatedly slashed his whip towards them while shouting, “Pay now, pay into my f****** bank account.”
One of the tourists, visibly shaken, replied, “I have money,” before handing over what appeared to be cash.
However, the driver continued to lash out, yelling obscenities.
The tourists quickly apologized, saying, “I’m sorry, we’ve learned our lesson, thank you!” It remains unclear whether they had initially paid or not.
Social media reacts to the shocking video
The video, widely shared on X, quickly gained thousands of views and mixed reactions.
In the comment selection. some viewers supported the driver, arguing that the tourists got what they deserved.
However, other also expressed concern about the altercation.
One person said: Whoever that driver is. Was brought up the good old fashioned way
A second wrote: Served them right!
While a third commented: Well done! That American privilege doesn’t work everywhere on this earth.
Someone else said: If this is true they were wrong but that is in America assault and battery likely a felony!
Brilliant, well deserved. He wasn’t holding back anyway. Another added.
No offense, but some Americans can be really obnoxious and entitled. Politeness doesn’t seem to be their strong suit. Another user commented.
Debate over carriage fares in Dublin
Not everyone sided with the driver.
@neco_sparta pair of American tourists who allegedly attempted to flee from a #horsecarriageride without paying were quickly taught a lesson when their driver chased and whipped them in #Dublin Footage shared online on Tuesday captured the moment when the frustrated man appeared to aim his whip at the duo while they cowered in the corner of an alleyway. ‘Pay now, pay into my f****** bank account,’ the driver shouts while slashing his whip towards the terrified pair. ‘I have money,’ shakily replies one of the tourists. ‘It’s 100 US, it’s extra,’ he adds as he hands over what appears to be some cash to the outraged driver, who continues to direct his whip at the two men, yelling: ‘F****** b*******.’ The unidentified tourists soon apologise to the angry man, saying: ‘I’m sorry, we’ve learned our lesson, thank you!’ It’s unclear if the pair did in fact pay the driver or not. The clip was shared on X with the caption: ‘Dublin… Two #American #tourists over for St Patrick’s Day attempted to do a runner on a horse carriage driver. They won’t be doing that again in a hurry.’ Commenters were quick to comment on the footage – which had thousands of likes and was shared by multiple social media accounts. One person wrote: ‘Served them right!’ while another added: ‘Brilliant, well deserved. He wasn’t holding back anyway.’
While, some highlighted the high cost of horse carriage rides in Dublin, alleging unfair pricing tactics.
Probably being ripped off and overcharged: one viewer wrote.
Another claimed: Con artists those carriage drivers. They say $54.46, then at the end, it’s $54.46 each.
A third person added: Glad they did a runner. No sympathy for him. Poor horses.
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in full swing
The incident reportedly took place during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Dublin’s city center was packed with revelers celebrating the Irish holiday.
Thousands of people lined the streets for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Themed “Eachtrai” (Adventures), the parade showcased Ireland’s cultural heritage with over 4,000 participants.
International marching bands, performers, dancers, and elaborate floats entertained the crowds.
The parade route stretched from Parnell Square to Kevin Street Junction, passing landmarks such as O’Connell Street and Trinity College.
To accommodate the festivities, several roads were closed, and attendees were encouraged to use public transport.
Despite the controversy surrounding the horse carriage incident, the festival remained a vibrant and joyous occasion for locals and tourists alike.