Richmond Barracks

Hidden Histories Hunt

Presented by Creative Residency @ Richmond Barracks.


Are your children curious about the architecture and history of Dublin’s buildings, streets and bridges? If so, and if they like to be active, this is a great activity for all the family to do.

Download the map below, follow the trail and solve the clues to find the name of a long-lost treasure.

Dublin’s Historian-in-Residence for Children Dervilia Roche has teamed up with illustrator John Farrelly of Deadly Irish History to create this ‘Hidden Histories Hunt’, a self-guided treasure hunt for children in Dublin City.

You can download the instructions for free in colour or printer-friendly grayscale here:

Download the Hidden Histories Hunt in colour
Download the Hidden Histories Hunt in printer-friendly greyscale


The treasure hunt is all outdoors, except for the starting point. No admission fees are needed. Some parts of the route cross through parks, which may be closed in the evenings.

The hunt involves a 3km walk from the start point to the finish point and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The questions are suitable for children aged 9-12, but grown-ups will need to help with directions.  The final stop is close to bus and Luas stops, or is approximately 2km direct walk back to the start point.


The Creative Residency programme is made by Dublin City Council Culture Company.

The Hidden Histories Hunt was devised by Historian-in-Residence for Children Dervilia Roche.

Illustrations and design by John Farrelly.

In 2020, the Creative Residency @ Richmond Barracks appointed Dublin’s first Historian-in-Residence for Children, Dervilia Roche. The Historian-in-Residence for Children Creative Residency @ Richmond Barracks is a partnership with Dublin City Council Culture Company and Dublin City Libraries.

The Creative Residency programme is made by Dublin City Council Culture Company.