Northern Ireland (Omagh, July 5, 2025)
When Helen Quinn invited me to Northern Ireland, I was thrilled. The first time I had heard of Northern Ireland was when I studied “The Troubles” while attending Themes Valley University as an exchange student from Salem State University in 1992. If you were to do a Google Search on “Northern Ireland in 1992” you’d get the following summary:
In 1992, Northern Ireland remained deeply entrenched in The Troubles, a period of intense sectarian violence. The year saw a significant escalation in attacks by both the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and loyalist paramilitary groups, resulting in a high death toll and widespread disruption. Political talks aimed at finding a resolution continued, but progress was slow and hampered by the ongoing violence.
I share that because it simply wasn’t safe to visit Northern Ireland the first time I visited Ireland back in 1992 — at least, not for a 20 year old thrill-seeking American who would have most likely said or done something stupid. Back then, I didn’t have the sense to keep my mouth shut or keep my opinions to myself.
Sitting Down for a Proper Irish Breakfast with Helen Quinn’s Family
And this is what I love about visiting Northern Ireland with Helen Quinn. I had the incredible experience of sitting down with her family and hearing their experiences. How it was growing up. What it was like for each of them. And, for the most part, how incredibly normal it was for everyone.
In fact, one of my favorite stories Helen told me was when a church was blown up and the priest went to the head of the IRA and said, “Look, you need to pay for that!” Even if the IRA had not done it, it was clear the conflict was getting out of hand and the two began working together to resolve the conflict. When we stop “othering” each other and seeing each other as human beings with the same basic wants and needs, there’s no conflict we can’t overcome. These are the stories I love to learn about in my travels.
Helen’s husband showing me how he uses his tractor to manage his farm
“Hey, that would make a great profile picture”
Wait? You mean you are letting me actually drive your tractor? Thank you!
Yes, Helen and her husband graciously allowed me to drive their tractor. It takes a lot of trust for a man to let another man drive his tractor. That is not lost on me. This reminded me of my father-in-law’s old 1900 automobiles. Back before automobiles were computerized and engine blocks were straightforward. It was quite fun driving this tractor around the field.
Helen Quinn allowed me to hold her Olympic Torch
Speaking of handling prized possessions, I found out that Helen Quinn was an Olympic Torch bearer for the 2012 Olympic Games. I didn’t know this, but when you are an Olympic Torch bearer you actually get to keep the torch after the ceremony. So once she told me the story of being in the ceremony, she asked me if I wanted to see the torch. Uh, YES PLEASE! And she allowed me to hold it and get a picture. How fun! Yet another unexpected once-in-a-lifetime unexpected experience on this trip. Mind you, this is my 6th day on the road.
Helen Quinn showing me her farm and the epic views where she works
We spent a good deal of time on her incredible farm seeing the incredible views all around. It’s easy to imagine Helen working on her training programs out in the fields sitting on these strategically placed benches. I could feel my body connect with the land beneath my feet. Or, more accurately, my “Wellies” that Helen let me borrow. “Wellies” are short for Wellingtons which is a brand of rubber boot that everyone seems to have in the UK.
Passing weather in Ireland — this is how I got an unexpected tan. Seriously!
About 10 minutes later. Okay, I get how I got my tan after all.
Helen and her husband walked me through their expansive farm and showed me how their son is building his own building and planting trees in partnership with the Irish conservatory. There’s a rewilding efforting taking place and the Quinn family it taking part in this effort.
Son’s house that he built himself. Impressively authentic to the intended style.
Individual tree (one of hundreds planted) and how it’s protected on the land
Truly wonderful day on the farm getting acclimated to Omagh. When I was on my flight to Edinburgh, I sat next to the two owners of Mill Farm Retreat in Omagh. With over a hundred seats on a plane, what are the odds of sitting next to a couple from Omagh vs say Belfast or Derry (which I’ll share in my next post). I believe I’m being guided and that there are people I’m meant to meet along my journey.
I’m deeply grateful for this time with Helen Quinn and her family. Such a beautiful introduction to Northern Ireland and an anchoring to the rich and glorious foundations of this beautiful land.
