Cookie Policy
Last Updated: July 2026
Website: grainnemcauliffe.com
Introduction
Grainne McAuliffe (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “Company”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website.
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our website.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide Directly
Contact Forms & Inquiries
- Name, email address, phone number, and message content when you submit a contact form or inquiry
- Information you provide when booking a discovery call or appointment
Newsletter Subscription
- Email address when you subscribe to our newsletter
- Any preferences you indicate about the types of content you’d like to receive
Payment Information
- When applicable, payment details are processed through secure third-party payment processors (we do not store payment card information directly)
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
- We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience
- Information about your browsing activity, pages visited, time spent on site, and device information
- This data is collected via Google Analytics (see Section 2.2)
Log Data
- IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages accessed
- Date and time of your visit
- This information helps us understand traffic patterns and improve our website
2. How We Use Your Information
2.1 Website Administration
- To operate and maintain the website
- To monitor and analyze site usage
- To improve website functionality and user experience
- To detect and prevent technical issues and fraud
2.2 Communication
- To respond to your inquiries and contact requests
- To send you newsletters and marketing communications (only with your consent)
- To provide updates about our services
- To send appointment reminders and follow-up messages
2.3 Analytics & Performance
- To understand visitor behavior and website performance
- To identify content that resonates with our audience
- To optimize our website and services
2.4 Legal Compliance
- To comply with applicable laws and regulations
- To respond to legal requests from authorities
- To protect the rights, privacy, safety, and property of our website, you, and others
3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use the following cookies and tracking technologies:
| Cookie/Service | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics (_ga, _gid, _gat) | Web analytics – tracks visitor behavior, page views, traffic sources | Analytics | 2 years |
| Google Site Kit | Integrates Google services (Analytics, Search Console) | Analytics/Functional | Varies |
| Google Calendar | Embedded booking calendar | Functional | Session |
| Instagram Feed Plugin | Displays Instagram posts on website | Functional/Marketing | Session |
| Gravatar | Author profile images | Functional | Persistent |
| WordPress | Site functionality (wp-settings-*, wp_lang) | Functional | 1 year |
How to Manage Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings > Privacy > Cookies and other site data
Note: Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
4. Third-Party Services & Data Processors
4.1 Google Services
Google Analytics
- Collects anonymous data about your website usage
- Data Retention: 14 months
- You can opt-out via Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on
- Google’s Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Google Site Kit
- Integrates Google Analytics, Search Console, and other services
- Google’s Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Google Calendar
- Embedded for booking appointments
- Google’s Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
4.2 Instagram
Instagram Feed Plugin
- Displays your Instagram posts
- Data collected by Instagram (Facebook/Meta)
- Instagram’s Privacy Policy: https://help.instagram.com/519522125107813
4.3 Gravatar
- Used for author profile images
- Gravatar’s Privacy Policy: https://automattic.com/privacy
5. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
Under GDPR, we process your data based on:
| Data Type | Legal Basis |
|---|---|
| Contact form submissions | Contractual necessity / Legitimate interest |
| Newsletter subscriptions | Consent (opt-in) |
| Analytics | Legitimate interest (understanding user behavior) |
| Booking information | Contractual necessity |
| Legal compliance | Legal obligation |
You have the right to withdraw consent at any time by unsubscribing from newsletters or contacting us directly.
6. Data Retention
We retain your data for the following periods:
- Contact Form Data: 2 years (or as long as necessary to respond to your inquiry)
- Newsletter Subscribers: Until you unsubscribe
- Booking/Client Information: Duration of service + 7 years (legal/tax requirements)
- Website Analytics: 14 months (Google Analytics default retention)
- Cookies: As specified in the table above
7. Your Rights Under GDPR & Irish Data Protection Law
As a resident of Ireland or the EU, you have the following rights:
- Right of Access: Request a copy of personal data we hold about you
- Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
- Right to Restrict Processing: Request we limit how we use your data
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing
- Right to Lodge a Complaint: Contact the Data Protection Commission (DPC)
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:
- Email: grainne@solas.network
Data Protection Commission (Ireland):
- Website: www.dataprotection.ie
- Phone: +353 (0) 578 684 800
8. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction, including:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
- Secure password practices
- Limited access to personal data (staff only when necessary)
- Regular security reviews
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.
9. Children’s Privacy
Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately. If you believe we have collected information from a child, contact us immediately.
10. External Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal information.
11. International Data Transfers
If your data is transferred outside of the EU/EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or Adequacy Decisions.
12. Contact Information
Data Controller & Contact Details:
Grainne McAuliffe
Solas – RTT, Hypnotherapy & Coaching
Cork, Ireland
Email: grainne@solas.network
For Data Protection Inquiries: Email: grainne@solas.network
13. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
End of Privacy Policy