I have been writing on this site since 2004. In that time, the internet has changed from a collection of personal passion projects to a relentless pursuit of user data. I’ve made a deliberate choice to step back from that and return my little corner of the web to its roots: high quality content delivered without hidden agendas.
This page explains how I plan to keep this site running without selling either your privacy or my integrity.
1. A no ads experience
You will not find banner ads, pop-ups or auto-playing videos on this site. I find them intrusive and they make websites slow and ugly. I am tired of them and I imagine you are too.
More importantly, ad networks are the primary way your behaviour is tracked across the internet. By removing ads (like Google AdSense), I have eliminated all third-party advertising and behavioural tracking scripts from your visit.
2. No tracking
I do not use the “industry standard” tools that harvest user data to follow you around and serve you ads.
No analytics: I don’t use Google Analytics. This means I don’t know your age, your gender, your precise location or your browsing history. I have no interest in profiling you or tracking you across the web to see what you might buy next.
No tracking pixels: There is no Facebook (Meta) Pixel, no X (Twitter) bridge or anything of that sort.
Server logs: I use my server logs to see which articles are popular. This data never leaves my server and is never shared with third parties.
3. Genuine recommendations & independence
I am in the happy position to have nobody to answer to except myself.
I cannot be bought: I do not accept “sponsored posts” or “paid reviews”.
Genuinely researched: My opinions are my own, I recommend products and services based on their actual value not their commission potential. If I recommend accommodation, books, tours or anything else it’s because I’ve vetted them myself and believe they are worthwhile for you.
No AI: Every word on this site is written by me (a real live human person!) based on actual research and experience.
4. Ethical affiliate partnerships
Since I don’t show ads, I support this site through a few carefully chosen affiliate partnerships. This allows me to keep the site free for everyone while also ensuring it earns its keep.
For Accommodation & Tours: I use Stay22 and GetYourGuide. I’ve chosen them because they prioritise local, independent providers and unique stays over massive hotel chains. This allows me to recommend places and experiences that have actual character and value, the kind of spots I’d be more than happy to experience myself, and often have.
For Books: Instead of linking to Amazon, I use Bookshop.org. They are dedicated to the public good, giving the majority of their profit margin to local, independent bookstores. It’s a simple way to ensure that when you buy a book I’ve recommended you are also supporting a high-street shop.
The Process: If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission.
The Cost: This costs you €0 extra. You pay the same price you would if you went to the site directly.
Privacy: These partners use a small temporary cookie to remember you came from here so I get credit (and payment) for the referral. This cookie is not used to track or profile you for advertising.
5. Private social sharing
Standard social sharing buttons often load code that tracks your activity across the web, even if you never click them. I use Scriptless Social Sharing, meaning my buttons are simple, secure links. They only do something if you choose to click them and I have no way of knowing which buttons are used or by who.
6. High-Performance Hosting
To keep this site fast, secure and resilient, I host it with SiteGround.
Why I use them: They provide top-tier security and speed, the site stays up and stable, their support is excellent and it allows me to avoid intrusive caching plugins.
Affiliate Link: If you are looking for hosting for your own project and use the link above, I may earn a commission. I have been a paying customer of SiteGround for years – I recommend them because they keep this site running smoothly and I couldn’t be happier with their service.
Summary of my promise to you
I treat this site as a digital library. You are here to read about Ireland, not to be treated as a product. I will do everything I can to keep the site fast, the recommendations honest and your browsing private.
Go raibh maith agat (thank you) for supporting independent writing.