Irish Lamb Stew With A Twist

Name: Irish Lamb Stew With A Twist
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds lamb shoulder or shoulder blade chops, bone-in, trimmed of excess fat; 6 slices bacon, thickly cut; 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon gold preferred), peeled, quartered; 2 large onions, quartered; 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch segments; 1 turnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 heaping tablespoons pearl barley (omit for gluten-free version); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 quart of water or lamb stock, warmed