8 miles west of Kilmarnock on the coast is this ancient Royal Burgh town. The port was originally the main trade link between Scotland and Ireland, until the development of Port Glasgow. Local attractions include the Seagate Castle, Scottish Maritime Museum and Glasgow Vennel. Robert Burns lived in Irvine between 1781 and 1783, during which time he learnt flax dressing. A statue of the poet now stands on the Town Moor.