Sex and the City star gets a taste of farming life in Kerry

Agriland

01-08-2025

US television star Cynthia Nixon has briefly swapped the streets of Manhattan for a farm in north Co. Kerry.
The actor, best known for starring as Miranda in the hit series 'Sex and the City', paid a visit to Rena Blake and Lisa Fingleton on their organic farm, The Barna Way, close to Ballybunion last weekend.
Cynthia's wife, Christine Marinoni, and Rena ran The Rising Cafe together for seven years in Brooklyn.
The award winning actor, who is currently starring in two HBO series; 'And Just Like That' and 'The Gilded Age', is also an environmental activist.
Lisa told Agriland that they were "shocked and delighted" when the couple got in touch saying they wanted to visit.
Both Cynthia and Christine were eager to hear about the creative, food and nature projects happening in the area.
"They're very interested in the environment, really good food and growing local food," Lisa said.
The pair joined a Farming for Nature farm walk which was taking place at The Barna Way to highlight the farm's biodiversity projects.
(L-R) Rena Blake, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Marinoni and Lisa Fingleton at The Barna Way farm in Co. Kerry
Cynthia enjoyed feeding Biddy, the resident donkey, while she also sat up on the farm's 59-year-old Massey Ferguson tractor, dubbed 'Molly'.
"I don't think we've ever had visitors that asked so many questions," Lisa said.
"Cynthia was so interested in how we were growing the organic food, she was interested in all aspects of farming, all aspects of woodland. She just kept asking questions.
"This is what people are looking for when they come to Ireland. They want the environment, they want the clean food, they're craving that if they live in a city.
"I think that was a really nice learning for us, just how much it was appreciated," she added.
"They've been in touch since saying how magic it was being on the land and seeing all the different projects for nature and they were here to see the start of the pond that we're making for wildlife.
"Sometimes you think, 'why are we doing all these things?'. Then you have someone like Cynthia Nixon coming and being so interested and fascinated by everything that's happening. It was lovely," Lisa said.
Cynthia Nixon (left) helping Lisa Fingleton to promote the Ballybunion Bean Festival. Image: Pilar Vahey
Cynthia was also happy to lend her support to promote the upcoming Ballybunion Bean Festival taking place on August 16.
This new event will focus on the potential of beans as "the most fun and climate friendly food for the future". The name is a play on the famous Ballybunion Bachelor Festival.
The event is hosted by Brilliant Ballybunion, a Creative Climate Action Initiative, supported by Creative Ireland.
Hosted at The Barna Way, the festival will bring together local artists, collaborators, chefs, and businesses.
Over recent months, around 100 people in the local community have been growing beans for a slow food feast, which will be followed by a concert.
"It's one day, but it's going to be quite full of beans and gas craic," Lisa said.