A Laois couple have launched a new business venture that melds relaxation and regeneration with adorable pygmy goats.

The GOAT House Sauna first opened in Maganey on the Laois Kildare border on January 31, and owners Lisa and Dale Kavanagh cannot believe the amazing response from the public.

"We were into doing saunas ourselves, and I said it would be cool to build our own sauna," Dale told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

View this post on Instagram 

A post shared by Nathalie Lennon (@nathalielennon_)

"I do steelwork and my Dad is a carpenter, so we decided to build one and open it to the public. Most saunas have a coastal view, or a forest, we thought we'd give our sauna users a view of our goats," he laughed.

The Laois couple first bought two pygmy goats (Peadar and Nigel) in February of 2025, and began preparation works for their business in June of 2025.

They then welcomed another goat, Sonny, into the family late last year. They have since bought three more 10 week old pygmy goats, who are currently getting VIP treatment in the sauna's barn!

"We had our goats before we started the business, we don't breed them and they're our pets," Lisa explained.

"They have four acres of space, you should see them playing on their swings and slide- it's adorable!" she said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The GOAT House Sauna (@thegoathousesauna)

Along with their eight person sauna, they have repurposed two old milk tanks into plunge baths. One is an ice bath, and one is an ambient bath, for those who wish to cool off with a less dramatic shock to the system.

The sauna house also sports an outdoor waterfall style shower, changing rooms and toilet facilities. Their stunningly renovated barn includes a cosy stove for sauna users to curl up next to, while enjoying complimentary tea or coffee from their hot beverages station.

"You can sit down at the stove, play with the baby goats and relax," Lisa shared.

"The pygmy goats are very little maintenance, they have their hay and grass and we let them out to graze, they have their shed in the yard and they'll head into it at night time. As long as they have their toys to play with, they're easy going!" Dale laughed.

Pictured: the stunning sauna with a view of the goats enrichment area

The goats love to follow the couple around, jumping up onto their backs if they have the chance.

"Our sauna is positioned directly in front of their pen, and guests can pet them at the gate. The babies will be in the barn at the tea and coffee station for a while, it's great for them to get used to being handled," Lisa said.

Along with their six goats, the couple have four cute cats and a gorgeous labrador named Harley, who is an important member of the welcoming team!

"Harley is a part of the sauna, people love how she greets them, she loves playing with everyone," Dale said.

The couple have been blown away by the amazing reception from visitors across the country.

"It has really been unbelievable, it's hardly registered for us," Lisa said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The GOAT House Sauna (@thegoathousesauna)

"People have been giving amazing feedback, and we can't get over how many people are travelling from far away. We have had people travel over two hours to see the sauna and the goats, with people coming from Clare, Waterford, Wicklow and Dublin.

"We thought we would just get local people in, but it's been so far beyond that," Dale explained.

While balancing their pharmaceutical and steelwork jobs, the pair work long hours pouring their time and effort into the sauna on evenings and weekends.

See Next: PICTURES: Drawings of new roundabouts and roads for Portlaoise to ease congestion

Bookings can be made through their website, where their hours and availability can be viewed. 

To follow along on Lisa and Dale's journey with The GOAT house Sauna, see their Instagram, TikTok and Facebook pages.