Ayrshire is a region of southwest Scotland, located on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. Its principal towns include Ayr, Kilmarnock and the new town (and ancient royal burgh) of Irvine. The town of Troon on the coast has hosted the British Open Golf Championship twice in the last seven years and eight times in total. Approximately 200,000 visitors come to Troon during this period. The pretty resort town of Ayr is notable for its connections with Scotland's most famous son, the poet Robert Burns. Located nearby in the small town of Alloway is Burns' birthplace, now a museum.