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cookie policy

Last updated: 8 December 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how HER.ie (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on www.HER.ie (the “HER.ie Site”). It should be read together with our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

By using the HER.ie Site, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. Where required by law, we will ask for your explicit consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. If you do not agree to the use of cookies as set out below, you should adjust your browser settings or stop using the HER.ie Site.


1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, phone, tablet, or other device when you visit a website. Cookies help websites recognise your device and store information about your preferences or past actions.

Cookies may be:

  • Session cookies: temporary and deleted when you close your browser; or
  • Persistent cookies: remain on your device until they expire or are deleted.

We may also use similar technologies such as pixels, SDKs, tags, or local storage (“cookies” in this Policy includes these similar technologies).


2. Why we use cookies

We use cookies to:

  • make the HER.ie Site work properly;
  • remember your preferences;
  • understand how Users interact with our content;
  • improve site performance and your experience;
  • deliver relevant advertising and measure its effectiveness;
  • protect the security of the HER.ie Site.

3. Types of cookies we use

Cookies on the HER.ie Site fall into the categories below:

(a) Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the HER.ie Site to function. They enable core features like page navigation, security, and access to secure areas.
You cannot disable these cookies through our consent banner, but you can block them in your browser (this may cause parts of the site not to work).

(b) Performance / Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how Users use the HER.ie Site (e.g., which pages are visited most, time spent on pages, errors encountered).
This information is aggregated and used solely to improve the HER.ie Site and our content.

Examples may include: [Google Analytics / Chartbeat / Parse.ly etc.]

(c) Functionality Cookies

These cookies allow the HER.ie Site to remember choices you make (such as language, region, or display preferences) and provide enhanced, more personal features.

(d) Advertising / Targeting Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertising more relevant to you and your interests. They may also limit how many times you see an ad, measure ad performance, and help us and advertisers understand campaign reach.

These cookies may be set by us or by third-party advertising partners.
Examples may include: [Google Ad Manager / Meta Pixel / Adform / Outbrain / Taboola etc.]


4. Third-party cookies

Some cookies on the HER.ie Site are placed by third parties we work with, including advertisers, analytics providers, and social media platforms. These third parties may collect data about your online activities over time and across different websites.

We do not control these cookies. Please review the relevant third party’s cookie and privacy policies for more information about their practices.


5. Legal basis for using cookies

Under Irish and EU law:

  • Strictly necessary cookies are placed on the basis of our legitimate interest in operating the HER.ie Site.
  • All other cookies (analytics, functionality, advertising) are placed only with your consent, which you may withdraw at any time.

6. Managing your cookie preferences

(a) Cookie banner / settings

When you first visit the HER.ie Site, you will be shown a cookie banner allowing you to:

  • accept all cookies,
  • reject non-essential cookies, or
  • customise your preferences.

You can change or withdraw your consent at any time by clicking [“Cookie Settings”] on the HER.ie Site.

(b) Browser controls

You can also control cookies through your browser settings, including blocking or deleting cookies. Instructions vary by browser, but you can usually find them in the “Help” or “Settings” menu.

If you block cookies, parts of the HER.ie Site may not function correctly.


7. How long cookies stay on your device

Cookie retention depends on the type:

  • Session cookies last only until you close your browser.
  • Persistent cookies remain for a fixed period or until deleted.

We do not keep cookie data longer than necessary for the purposes described in this Policy.


8. Updates to this Cookie Policy

We reserve the right to change this Cookie Policy at any time by posting an updated version on the HER.ie Site.
Where changes are material, we will take reasonable steps to notify Users.

ToolWho runs itWhat it doesWhen it runsWhat it keeps on your device
Her.ieHer.ieRemembers your light or dark mode choice and your "Don't count my visits" choice and, only when you use them, a paused news ticker, a closed announcement and the way back to the site that sent you.Strictly necessary: always ondarkMode, hl_nocount; when you use them, headless:ticker-paused, announcement-dismissed-her, mx-return (browser storage)
CloudflareCloudflareDelivers the site and its images, and protects it from attacks.Strictly necessary: always onNothing, unless it has to check that you are not a bot: then __cf_bm or cf_clearance
Sign-inHer.ieKeeps you signed in to comment. Your account and comments are kept in the site's WordPress.Only when you ask for it__Host-comment-session, has-session (30 days), only after you sign in
Plausible AnalyticsPlausible, on a.her.ieCounts visits without cookies.Statistics, without consentNothing
YouTube (no-cookie player)GooglePlays videos in articles from youtube-nocookie.com.Only when you ask for itNothing until you play a video
Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook postsMeta, X, TikTokShows a post from that network in an article.Only when you ask for itThat network's cookies, only after you press "Load the post"