A Trip to The Mullen Family Farm

It has been a world-wind adventure since the American Mullens met the Irish Mullens in Monaghan. The first night we arrived in Monaghan, the Irish cousins arranged a small get together at a local pub....classic. We met and chatted with our new cousins in a classic Irish manor, which is over a pint. The night ended (pretty late I might add), and we went home to rest up for our trip to the family farm the next day. 

The Mullen family is from the country Armagh, in a little town called Turry. The day started with a trip to the family church to meet up with the cousins. The family church isn’t technically the Mullen’s, but it is where most of the family was baptized and married throughout the years. It only seemed fitting that this would be our meeting point. 

When we pulled up to the church and stepped off that bus to meet the cousins we had never met before, it was quite a surreal experience. To feel connected to someone you never knew existed is extremely strange. After the wave of hellos and name exchanges, we head into the church to get a blessing from the family priest. In that moment in the church, everyone felt so connected and like we had known each other our whole lives. 

After a few quick words from the priest we went outside to see where my great-great-great-uncle Owen Mullen was buried. (Hopefully I got that lineage correct) Even though this part is a bit morbid, it was nice to pay our respects to one of the founders of the Mullen clan. 

We jumped back on the bus and headed to the Mullen Family Farm which had been in our family for hundreds of years. One of the cousins Sean, told us that since we were on huge busses that we wouldn’t be able to drive up to the farm. However, we would be able to walk down the long road that our family had walked on to school and to town for years. (Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it) 

Walking up to the farm was amazing. It was a beautiful piece of land that was the homestead for our family for years. At the entrance of the farm the Irish Mullens decided to fly the Irish flag next to the American flag. It was a beautiful and memorable sight. We explored the farm for an hour and exchanged stories with our Irish cousins. After awhile, our cousin Julie thought of the idea to plant a tree while everyone was together. We gathered around while the little ones shoveled dirt planting the new symbol of familial bonds. 

Of course the kids would love this, the were told to play with dirt. It was nice seeing that next generation literally plant the seed to years of new bonds and family connections. We gathered around the tree and took a quick family picture.

leaving the farm

We headed from the farm to have some tea and scones at the court house and get a lesson in Mullen family history. It was amazing hearing how our family started and the story behind the Mullen name. When you really know where you come from, and have actually been to where your family started it’s a surreal experience. I am so thankful that our family was able to do this because it’s not something every family has the privilege of doing. 

After our history lesson we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the gala the Mullens were having that night. To give you an idea of how many people would be there, there were 52 American Mullens meeting up with more than 100 Irish Mullens. Needless to say it was an event. 

The entire event was amazing, and I’m very mad at myself that I didn’t take more pictures. So I apologize in advance so the lack of gala pictures. Cousin Sean, and mayor of Monaghan, opened the night with a few words thanking my mom for planning this event, and said that now there was no excuse for lost familial connections. We were then entertained by some Mullen family Irish dancers, which the little ones throughly enjoyed. 

look at all these mullens

the Mullen siblings 

orange dresses

The entire night was filled with family, drinks, and great stories. I can’t thank my mom enough for the time and effort she put into this (Also my cousin Maureen for helping her plan it) It was an amazing thing to see your entire family together. A bit overwhelming, but amazing nonetheless. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about this reunion. It was really something else to meet a side of the family you never knew you had, but feel as though you’ve known them forever. This trip is a memory I’ll have for my entire life, and for that I am eternally grateful. Irish Mullens if you’re reading this, know that next time I’m in Ireland, you better get the gust bedroom ready. Love all you crazy and wonderful Mullens and I am so lucky that you’re my family.