Originally erected by Richard DeClare aolong the River Suir in 1172, the castle saw many different owners through the ensuing decades. In 1967, Aurthur Butler, the 6th Marquees and 24th Earl of Ormond, sold the castle to the castle restoration committee. Since then, much of the castle has been restored to its original state and today remains one of the foremost visitor attractions in the region. Kilkenny 2008 Annual Vase features a "hidden shamrock," as well as an exclusive trade stamp and personalized signature of its designer, Catherine Townshend.