With a population of more than 46000 inhabitants, Ayr is the largest town, port as well as settlement in the Ayrshire. Ayr has held the status of a royal burgh since 1205 and is currently the administration centre for the council area of south Ayrshire. Ayr was among the four Scottish counties competing for the commemorative status of the city upon Queen Elizabeth II's golden jubilee in the year 2002.

The county of Ayr has a very rich history, shortly after the first castle was built by Ayr's riverside, king William, the lion created a burgh here. The very first parliament for Scotland was also held here by Robert the Bruce.

Since the early ages, Ayr has remained a busy port county. Wool, fish and hide were the main exports whereas salt and wine were imported to be distributed throughout the Ayrshire. Textile as well as shoe making industry also prospered in the area for a while though they couldn't hold out against the sands of time.

Ayr is a coastal county lying upon the mouth of the river Ayr. Most of the land in the area is flat and low. The climatic conditions in Ayr are very mild and pleasant, with cool summers and mild winters; the county of Ayr seldom experiences any snowfall. The outlying flat terrain also makes sure that any fog or mist is also a rarity here. Ayr lies at least 35 miles to the southwest of Glasgow.

Part of the historic port in Ayr still functions today, its main exports being coal and fish. Ayr has been a hub for shopping for all of south Scotland, having a port in times past and also being the first county to have a functioning departmental store since 1896.

Ayr is a well connected county; three main roads serve as connections to the outside world. Ayr has its own functional railway station and though ferry service is not yet available, traveling via air is possible through Glasgow Prestwick international airport just two miles farther. Though most of the European destinations are thus accessible, the Glasgow international airport just 35 miles away allows accessibility too many other destinations across the world.

The county of Ayr has 15 primary schools all told, access to 5 secondary schools and 2 each of colleges and universities. Ayr has a sandy beach with an esplanade, popular among joggers and day trippers. Many other leisure activities are also available, either upon the beach or in Ayr's leisure centre. Of late many new tourist venues are being built, all contributing towards making Ayr one of the most favored tourism spots outside Glasgow.