Cookie Banners and GDPR: What Irish Websites Need to Know

Privacy rules can feel intimidating, but for most small business websites the essentials are manageable. This is a general overview, not legal advice, so check the specifics with a qualified adviser or the Data Protection Commission's guidance.

Why cookies matter

Cookies are small files stored on a visitor's device. Some are essential to make a site work. Others are used for analytics or advertising. In Ireland and the EU, non-essential cookies generally require the visitor's consent before they are set.

What usually counts as essential

Cookies needed to deliver the service the visitor asked for, such as remembering items in a shopping basket or keeping a login active, are generally treated differently from analytics or marketing cookies. If you only use strictly necessary cookies, you may not need a consent banner, but you should still explain what you use.

What needs consent

• Analytics tools that track visitors.
• Advertising and retargeting pixels.
• Embedded content that sets its own tracking cookies, such as some video players and social widgets.

What a good cookie banner does

• Explains clearly what is being used and why.
• Offers "accept" and "reject" options that are equally easy.
• Does not set non-essential cookies before consent is given.
• Lets people change their mind later.

Privacy policy basics

If you collect personal data, for example through a contact form, you need a privacy policy that says what you collect, why, how long you keep it, who you share it with and how people can exercise their rights.

Forms and enquiries

Collect only what you need. A name, email address and message are usually enough. Be clear about how enquiries are stored, and do not use them for marketing unless the person agreed.

Keep it accurate

The biggest risk is a policy that says one thing while the site does another. If you add a tracking tool, update the policy and banner.

Practical steps

• List every cookie and script your site uses.
• Decide which are essential.
• Set up consent for the rest.
• Write or update your privacy and cookie policies.
• Review them whenever the site changes.

When we build a site we set up compliant forms and can add a consent banner and policy pages for you. Our own site's privacy policy and cookie policy show the kind of pages you can expect.