Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, phone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your settings and preferences, so the site can work reliably and feel consistent the next time you return. Cookies can be “session” cookies (they expire when you close your browser) or “persistent” cookies (they remain for a set period, or until you delete them).
In addition to cookies, some services use pixel tags and similar technologies. These are small snippets of code that help measure page views and conversions, or help understand which content is useful. Dublin Bulletin is an educational platform; we use these tools to keep the site functional, improve content quality, and measure whether our pages are helpful.
First-party and third-party cookies
Cookies can be set by the website you are visiting (first-party cookies) or by a service provider embedded on the site (third-party cookies). For example, an analytics tool may set its own cookie to recognise a browser over time. Where we use third-party cookies, we use them only for the purposes described in this policy.
Cookie categories used on Dublin Bulletin
We group cookies into three categories. These categories match the choices presented in our cookie banner and cookie preferences panel.
1) Essential cookies (always active)
Essential cookies are required for basic site operation. They help with functions such as maintaining a session, remembering your cookie preferences, and supporting security controls. These cookies do not require consent because the site cannot function properly without them.
- Remembering your cookie preferences so you are not asked repeatedly.
- Maintaining session continuity and basic security protections.
- Supporting form safety features (for example, preventing automated abuse).
2) Analytics cookies (consent required)
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use the site: which guides are read most, how people navigate between pages, and where we should make explanations clearer. If you allow analytics cookies, we may use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) with IP anonymisation, and we apply a standard data retention period of 14 months for analytics data (where configurable). If you do not consent, analytics cookies will not be activated.
- Measuring page usage and basic navigation paths (for example, which guide sections are most useful).
- Helping us improve educational content, readability, and structure.
- Evaluating performance issues (for example, unusually slow pages) in aggregate.
3) Marketing cookies (consent required)
Marketing cookies may be used to measure the effectiveness of advertising and to show relevant ads based on site interactions. For example, a marketing cookie can help record that a visitor viewed a page and later submitted a workshop request. If you allow marketing cookies, services such as Google Ads and Meta Pixel may set cookies like _gcl_au, _fbp, or _fbc. If you do not consent, marketing cookies will not be activated.
Dublin Bulletin does not use cookies to sell personal data. We also do not permit providers to use site data for their own independent commercial purposes.
Cookie table
The table below lists cookies that may be used on this site. Some third-party cookie names may vary slightly depending on configuration. If a cookie category is disabled, cookies in that category should not be set by this site.
| Name | Purpose | Category | Type | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| _site_session | Site session continuity | Essential | First-party | Session |
| cookie_consent | Stores your consent choice | Essential | First-party | 12 months |
| _ga | GA4 user identifier | Analytics | Third-party | 2 years |
| _ga_XXXXXXXXXX | GA4 session state (10-char GA4 ID) | Analytics | Third-party | 2 years |
| _gcl_au | Google Ads conversion linker | Marketing | Third-party | 90 days |
| _fbp | Meta Pixel browser identifier | Marketing | Third-party | 90 days |
| _fbc | Meta Pixel click identifier | Marketing | Third-party | 90 days |
Third-party providers
If you choose to enable analytics or marketing cookies, third-party providers may receive cookie data and events (such as page views or form submissions) to deliver their services. The providers commonly used for these purposes include:
- Google LLC (Google Analytics 4, Google Ads, Tag Manager)
- Meta Platforms (Meta Pixel and related advertising measurement tools)
- Cloudflare (security and delivery protection where applicable)
We do not permit these providers to use site data for their own independent commercial purposes.
Managing cookies and preferences
You can control cookies in three main ways:
- Cookie preferences panel: Use the “Manage cookie preferences” link in the footer to change your choices at any time.
- Browser settings: Most browsers let you block or delete cookies. Note that blocking essential cookies may prevent parts of the site from working.
- Provider opt-outs: Some providers offer opt-out tools and ad settings pages.
Helpful provider links:
- Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on
- Google Ads settings
- Meta ad preferences
- Your Online Choices (EU)
Changes to this Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or how Dublin Bulletin operates. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date and may provide an on-site notice for a reasonable period.
Contact
If you have questions about cookies or privacy at Dublin Bulletin, contact us:
- Company: Dublin Bulletin Education Ltd
- Address: The Academy, 42 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 YX88, Ireland
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +353 1 525 3439
Last Updated: March 11, 2026