Visitors flock to Potahee retreat
Near the crossroads at Potahee, a once-empty cottage has been transformed into one of Cavan's most distinctive wellness retreats.
What began as a modest Airbnb venture in Covid times has evolved into what can only be described as a thriving rural tourism business for its owner Aisling Crowe.
“It was a leap of faith, but it's grown from strength to strength ever since. We've welcomed visitors from all over Ireland, Europe, England and the United States. Many of them come back again and again.”
New Life
The renovation story began when Aisling and her family purchased the landmark cottage, which had stood empty for years following the death of its former owner, Toddy Maguire.
“There was a lot of affection locally for Toddy and the cottage,” she explains. So people were delighted to see somebody take it on, and Aisling says: “We wanted to preserve its character while giving it a new purpose.”
The original cottage, which now sleeps five guests, quickly proved popular with visitors. Encouraged by the demand, Aisling then began looking at other opportunities to expand.
In 2022, an unused outbuilding was converted into a fully accessible self-catering studio. The development, supported through the Local Enterprise Office, now provides comfortable accommodation for two guests, and includes an accessible shower room, kitchenette, private parking and an outdoor dining space.
Rural Wellness
The most recent and perhaps most ambitious phase has been the transformation of an old agricultural barn at the rear of the property.
“I had always wanted to add a hot tub for guests,” she says. “Then the focus of the conversation turned to the barn.”
The facility features a premium hot tub, a traditional wood-fired sauna and a cold-plunge ice bath, providin g guests with the opportunity to enjoy contrast therapy in a peaceful rural setting.
Unlike many wellness facilities attached to accommodation providers, The Barn is not reserved exclusively for overnight guests. It can also be booked independently by members of the public seeking relaxation, recovery and wellbeing experiences.
The Barn officially opened earlier this year, and is already proving popular with locals and visitors alike.
Labour of Love
While the transformation appears seamless today, the reality is the project has involved years of planning, investment and hard work.
When the cost of purchasing the property, renovating the cottage, converting the studio and creating The Barn are combined, the overall investment has exceeded €350,000.
The barn conversion alone represented an investment of approximately €50,000.
Despite the scale, Aisling has managed it alongside a full-time career and raising her family.
“I work five days a week, and then there's all of this,” she laughs. “Life is busy, but I genuinely enjoy every minute of it.”
In the Blood
Both business and innovation are familiar themes in her family.
Aisling is the youngest sister of well-known businessman Declan Sheridan of The Meadowview, while her brother Gerry has built a successful reputation through Killeshandra's Ice Cream Treats.
She credits much of their entrepreneurial mindset to their late father, Philip Sheridan, who sadly passed away in 2025.
“Dad was always encouraging us to take opportunities,” she says.
Success
Beyond the success, Aisling takes particular pride in the role Toddy's Hideaway and The Barn play in showcasing a lesser-known corner of Cavan.
The peaceful landscape offers visitors a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience the warmth of a rural Ireland getaway.
“It's wonderful introducing people to the area and seeing them discover how beautiful it is," says Aisling.