The Fountain Of Youth Exists (& You Can Find It In Westport, County Mayo!)

It’s safe to say that Westport in county Mayo is a far cry away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood but did you know that the little town is actually harbouring a bit of a secret?

The Mirror reports that Westport (which has a population of just 5,543) is home to the world’s only producer of Botox. Yes, we were a little shocked too.

“Many of the smiles you see on the TV have been made in Westport thanks to Botox,” said Keith Martin, a town councillor.

“But nobody here has it – you can’t get it in the town,” he added.

Botox is a global billion-euro business and it has given the small town of Westport a major economic boost.

Allergan, the US firm which produces Botox, set up shop in Westport back in 1977. Ollie Gannon, the town mayor, has worked for the company for the past 16 years.

“The firm employs almost 1,000 people here and if you think the average salary is around €40,000, that is about €40million coming into the local economy,” said Mr Gannon.

“From a personal point of view I would prefer to grow old gracefully, warts and all. But we live in a very different world now. People are more image-conscious and if they look good, then they feel good.

“A few years ago I was watching the build-up to the Oscars on TV and there was a doctor being interviewed. He said he’d such demand for Botox in the run-up to the awards he’d had to ship another batch from Westport. I just couldn’t believe our town had made it to the Oscars,” he added.

Celebrities are massive fans of Botox

Botox isn’t just used to iron out wrinkles anymore though. The drug can also be used to help treat people with medical conditions like cerebral palsy, migraines and over-active bladders.

Despite the fact that Westport produces so much Botox, no one in the town knows anyone who has actually undergone the treatment themselves.

“I don’t have a problem with Botox, as long as it is used correctly. I don’t know anyone who has it in Westport,” said Noel Morrin, a local butcher.

“Mind you, I think ordinary people who have it would keep it more private than celebrities,” he added.

We guess it’s pretty safe to say that the fountain of youth does exist and, apparently, it’s in Westport, county Mayo.