Irish Bugle

Cookie Policy

How we use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience.

Last updated: 19 February 2026

What Are Cookies?

Understanding web cookies and similar technologies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferred language and other settings. This can make your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.

We also use similar technologies such as web beacons, pixels, and local storage to enhance your browsing experience and analyze how our website is used.

Types of Cookies We Use

Different categories and their purposes

Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.

  • • Security and authentication cookies (Firebase Auth)
  • • Session management
  • • Cookie consent preferences
  • • Theme preference (dark/light mode)

Duration: Session or up to 1 year

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous information.

  • • Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _ga_*, _gid)
  • • Firebase Analytics
  • • Algolia search analytics
  • • Page view tracking
  • • User journey analysis

Duration: Up to 2 years • Default: Disabled until you consent

Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used for social media embeds and may track your activity across websites.

  • • Twitter/X embed cookies
  • • Instagram embed cookies
  • • TikTok embed cookies
  • • Facebook embed cookies

Duration: Varies by platform • Default: Disabled until you consent

Third-Party Services

External services that may set cookies or collect data

Algolia Search

Provides search functionality and search analytics.

  • • Cookies: Custom analytics cookies, localStorage tokens
  • • Duration: Up to 1 year
  • • Data: Search queries, click behavior, anonymous user tokens
  • • Privacy: algolia.com/policies/privacy

Firebase (Google)

Provides authentication, analytics, and hosting.

  • • Cookies: Firebase auth tokens, analytics IDs
  • • Duration: Session to 2 years
  • • Data: Authentication state, analytics events
  • • Privacy: firebase.google.com/support/privacy

Google Analytics

Provides website analytics and visitor insights.

  • • Cookies: _ga, _ga_[ID], _gid, _gat
  • • Duration: 2 years (persistent), 24 hours (session)
  • • Purpose: Traffic analysis, user behavior
  • • Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out

Stripe (Payments)

Processes membership payments securely.

  • • Note: Payments are handled on Stripe's secure servers
  • • We do not store card details on our site
  • • Privacy: stripe.com/privacy

Social Media Embeds

When you enable Marketing cookies, social media content may be embedded in articles.

Video/Audio Embeds

Embedded media content from various platforms.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

How to control cookies on your device

Cookie Consent Manager

You can update your cookie preferences at any time using our cookie consent manager. Click the button below to review and change your settings.

Note: Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and your user experience.

Browser Settings

You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:

Desktop Browsers:

Mobile Browsers:

Do Not Track

We respect Do Not Track signals. When you enable Do Not Track in your browser, we will not use analytics cookies or other tracking technologies, though essential cookies required for website functionality will still be used.

Impact of Disabling Cookies

What happens when you disable different types of cookies

If You Disable Essential Cookies:

  • • Website may not function properly
  • • You won't be able to sign in
  • • Security features may be compromised

If You Disable Analytics Cookies:

  • • Website will function normally
  • • We won't be able to improve based on usage data
  • • Search personalization will be limited

If You Disable Marketing Cookies:

  • • Social media embeds will show as placeholders
  • • You can still view content via external links
  • • Third-party tracking will be blocked

Updates to This Cookie Policy

How we handle policy changes

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make significant changes, we will:

  • • Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
  • • Notify you through a prominent notice on our website
  • • Request renewed consent for new types of cookies if required
  • • Email subscribers about material changes (if applicable)

Questions About Cookies?

If you have questions about our use of cookies or need help managing your preferences, we're here to help.

Cookie and Privacy Questions:

legal@bugle.ie

We respond to cookie-related inquiries within 48 hours

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