Cookie Policy
Last Updated: May 12, 2026
1. Introduction
Welcome to irizhferries.com. We are committed to being transparent about the technologies we use on our website. This Cookie Policy provides detailed information about how and why we use cookies, and how you can manage your cookie preferences.
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides further information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. Both documents are governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Acts 1988–2018 of Ireland, as enforced by the Data Protection Commission (DPC).
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy, you can contact us using the details provided at the end of this document.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other internet-enabled device when you visit a website. They are widely used by website owners to make websites work more efficiently, to provide functionality, and to gather reporting information about how users interact with the site.
Cookies are stored in your browser's designated folder on your device. Each time you visit the website that created the cookie, the cookie is sent back to the server, allowing the website to recognise your device and remember certain information about your preferences or past actions.
Cookies set by the website owner (in this case, irizhferries.com) are called first-party cookies. Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called third-party cookies. Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality to be provided on or through the website, such as advertising, interactive content, and analytics.
3. How Do Cookies Work?
When you visit our website for the first time, a cookie consent banner will appear asking for your permission to use non-essential cookies. Depending on your choices:
- If you accept all cookies: We will place all categories of cookies on your device, including analytics, functional, and advertising cookies.
- If you customise your preferences: Only the categories of cookies you have consented to will be placed on your device.
- If you reject all non-essential cookies: Only strictly necessary cookies will be placed on your device to ensure the website functions correctly.
Your cookie preferences are stored and remembered for future visits. You may change your preferences at any time by revisiting our cookie settings or adjusting your browser settings as described in Section 7 of this policy.
4. Types of Cookies We Use
We use the following categories of cookies on irizhferries.com:
4.1 Strictly Necessary / Essential Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. Without these cookies, certain features of the website may not work correctly.
You do not need to provide consent for the placement of strictly necessary cookies, as they are required for the legitimate operation of our website under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.
4.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and understand how visitors interact with our website. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. They help us understand which pages are the most and least popular, and see how visitors move around the site. This information is used to improve the performance and usability of our website.
We use Google Analytics to gather this data. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about website usage and generates reports for us. Please note that Google may transfer this data to servers in the United States or other countries in accordance with their own privacy practices.
4.3 Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.
Functional cookies help remember your preferences such as language selection, region, login information, and previously viewed content to enhance your experience on our website.
4.4 Advertising and Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device.
We use Google Ads cookies and similar technologies to measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns and to deliver relevant advertisements to users who have previously visited our website.
5. Specific Cookies We Use
The table below provides detailed information about the specific cookies used on irizhferries.com, including their name, purpose, type, and duration:
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
cookieconsent_status |
irizhferries.com | Stores the user's cookie consent preferences so the consent banner does not appear on every page visit. | Essential | 1 year |
PHPSESSID |
irizhferries.com | Preserves user session state across page requests. Essential for booking forms and secure user sessions. | Essential | Session |
csrf_token |
irizhferries.com | Security cookie used to prevent Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks on form submissions. | Essential | Session |
user_prefs |
irizhferries.com | Remembers user preferences such as language, currency selection, and display settings. | Functional | 6 months |
recently_viewed |
irizhferries.com | Tracks recently viewed routes or ferry services to provide a personalised browsing experience. | Functional | 30 days |
_ga |
Google Analytics | Registers a unique ID that is used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the website. Used to distinguish users. | Analytics | 2 years |
_gid |
Google Analytics | Registers a unique ID that is used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the website. Used to distinguish users within a single day. | Analytics | 24 hours |
_gat |
Google Analytics | Used by Google Analytics to throttle request rate — limits the collection of data on high-traffic sites. | Analytics | 1 minute |
_gat_UA-XXXXXXXX-X |
Google Analytics | A variation of the _gat cookie used to throttle request rate for a specific Google Analytics property. |
Analytics | 1 minute |
_gcl_au |
Google Ads | Used by Google AdSense to experiment with advertisement efficiency across websites using their services. Tracks conversions from Google Ads. | Advertising | 3 months |
_fbp |
Facebook / Meta | Used by Facebook to deliver a series of advertisement products such as real-time bidding from third-party advertisers. | Advertising | 3 months |
fr |
Facebook / Meta | Used by Facebook to deliver, measure, and improve the relevancy of ads. Collects the browser and user unique ID combination for targeted advertising. | Advertising | 3 months |
IDE |
Google DoubleClick | Used by Google DoubleClick to register and report the website user's actions after viewing or clicking one of the advertiser's advertisements. | Advertising | 1 year |
_hjSessionUser_XXXXXXX |
Hotjar | Ensures data from subsequent visits to the same site are attributed to the same user ID. Used for session recording and heatmap analysis. | Analytics | 1 year |
_hjSession_XXXXXXX |
Hotjar | Holds current session data. Ensures that subsequent requests in the session window are attributed to the same session. | Analytics | 30 minutes |
Note: The above list may not be exhaustive. Cookies may be added, removed, or updated as our website and services evolve. We recommend checking this policy periodically for updates.
6. Third-Party Cookies and Services
In addition to our own cookies, we may also use third-party cookies from trusted partners and service providers. These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies, and we encourage you to review them:
6.1 Google Analytics and Google Ads
We use Google Analytics to analyse website traffic and user behaviour. Google Analytics collects information such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URL. This data is processed by Google Inc. and is subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
We also use Google Ads to run advertising campaigns. Google Ads cookies help us track conversions and measure the effectiveness of our advertisements.
- Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- Google Ads Settings: https://adssettings.google.com
6.2 Facebook / Meta
We may use Facebook Pixel to track the effectiveness of our Facebook advertising campaigns and to build targeted audiences for our advertisements on the Facebook platform.
- Facebook Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/policy.php
- Facebook Ad Preferences: https://www.facebook.com/adpreferences
6.3 Hotjar
We may use Hotjar to understand how users interact with our website through heatmaps, session recordings, and surveys. Hotjar uses cookies to collect data about your interactions with our website.
- Hotjar Privacy Policy: https://www.hotjar.com/legal/policies/privacy/
- Hotjar Opt-Out: https://www.hotjar.com/legal/compliance/opt-out/
7. How to Manage and Disable Cookies
You have several options for managing and controlling cookies on your device. Please note that restricting or disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website and may prevent you from using certain features.
7.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit irizhferries.com, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your cookie preferences by category. You can revisit and update your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link at the bottom of our website.
7.2 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically find these settings in the "Options", "Preferences", or "Settings" menu of your browser. Here are links to cookie management instructions for the most popular browsers:
- Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
- Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer
- Safari (Mac): https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-sfri11471/mac
- Safari (iPhone/iPad): https://support.apple.com/en-ie/HT201265
- Microsoft Edge: https://support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge
- Opera: https://help.opera.com/en/latest/web-preferences/#cookies
7.3 Opt-Out Tools for Analytics and Advertising
You can opt out of specific third-party tracking technologies using the following tools:
- Google Analytics Opt-Out: Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on available at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- Google Ads Personalisation: Manage your Google Ads preferences at https://adssettings.google.com
- Facebook Ad Preferences: Manage your Facebook ad preferences at https://www.facebook.com/adpreferences/ad_settings
- Your Online Choices (Europe): Opt out of targeted advertising from multiple companies at https://www.youronlinechoices.com
- Network Advertising Initiative (NAI): Opt out of interest-based advertising at https://optout.networkadvertising.org
- Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA): Opt out at https://optout.aboutads.info
8. Impact of Disabling Cookies
While you have the right to disable or restrict cookies at any time, doing so may have an impact on your experience when using our website. The specific impacts depend on which types of cookies you disable:
| Cookie Type | Impact if Disabled |
|---|---|
| Essential Cookies | The website may not function correctly. You may be unable to complete bookings, submit forms, or maintain a secure session. Some pages may not load properly. |
| Functional Cookies | Your preferences (such as language, currency, and previously viewed routes) will not be remembered between visits. You may need to re-enter information each time you visit. |
| Analytics Cookies | We will not be able to collect data about your visit, which means we cannot improve the website based on user behaviour. This does not affect your experience directly. |
| Advertising Cookies | You will still see advertisements, but they will not be tailored to your interests or previous interactions with our website. You may see more generic or irrelevant ads. |
9. Cookies and Children
Our website is not directed at children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children through cookies or any other means. If you believe that a child under 16 has provided us with personal data or consented to cookies on our website, please contact us immediately using the details provided below, and we will take steps to remove such information.
10. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
In accordance with the GDPR and the Data Protection Acts 1988–2018, our legal basis for using cookies varies depending on the type:
- Strictly Necessary Cookies: Legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR) — necessary for the operation of our website and services.
- Analytics, Functional, and Advertising Cookies: Your explicit consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR) — obtained through our cookie consent mechanism when you first visit our website.
You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal. To withdraw consent, please update your cookie preferences using our cookie settings tool or by adjusting your browser settings.
11. Data Transfers Outside the EEA
Some of the third-party cookies we use may involve the transfer of your data to countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA), including to the United States. Where such transfers occur, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with the GDPR, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission or adequacy decisions.
For more information about international data transfers, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
12. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our use of cookies, changes in applicable law, or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any significant changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.
We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies. Your continued use of our website after any changes to this policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please do not hesitate to contact us using the following details:
Contact Information
- Website: irizhferries.com
- Email: [email protected]
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission (DPC), the Irish supervisory authority for data protection matters, if you believe that your rights under the GDPR or the Data Protection Acts 1988–2018 have been infringed:
Data Protection Commission (DPC)
- Website: www.dataprotection.ie
- Address: 21 Fitzwilliam Square South, Dublin 2, D02 RD28, Ireland
- Phone: +353 (0)1 765 0100
- Email: [email protected]
This Cookie Policy was last reviewed and updated on May 12, 2026.