Ahh, that was foolish, Paddy

Have you heard the one about the two Irishmen who walk into a Queenstown bar?

They get drunk and graffiti the bar with their actual names and details, and miss their flight home to the Emerald Isle because the police find and arrest them.

Acting Sergeant Tracy Haggart, of Queenstown, said two 27-year-old Irish males were arrested on Saturday morning after allegedly defacing property at Pog Mahones Irish Bar the night before.

Staff at the bar found graffiti after the pair left the bar at about 7.45pm, and called police.

"There were some references to their names and farewells," Ms Haggart said. "They were caught up with at the airport the next morning on their way out."

Written in permanent marker, the graffiti had included pictures of male genitalia, and messages of thanks for the beers, Ms Haggart said.

It appeared across menus, glasses, walls, tables and photos.

The duo were charged with wilful damage and would appear in the Queenstown District Court at a later date.

"They were due to fly out to Auckland yesterday and then Ireland the next day.

"That's all had to be put off until the matter's dealt with."

- © Fairfax NZ News