Ireland with teens
 

We're planning our summer trip to Europe. We are leaning towards Ireland as we've never been there. Our kids are 2 girls, 20 & 12; and 2 boys, 17 & 14. We've been to London, Paris, and Brussels a few times over the years with them. I'm just starting my Ireland research and would love if anyone can offer itinerary suggestions for a 7-8 day trip. We typically love big cities, great hotels, and shopping. It would be nice to rent a car and drive through the countryside. So far, looking at a few videos (Rick Steve's) and a tour book the kids think they'll be bored. I'd appreciate any suggestions from people that have been there. Thanks in advance.

Try a good guide book and dump the Rick Steves garbage.

It depends what the "kids" are interested in. Ireland is more about country than city although folk who like cities find things to fill a few days in Dublin.

Galway is a university city that keeps many younger folk occupied and entertained and is also a touring base option.

Killarney is a great base for county Kerry.

Typical 7 day would be 3 days in Dublin, 3 days in either Galway or Killarney and a day somewhere in between which could become 4 days Dublin and 3 in Galway or Killarney.

When I was 17 and traveling with two much older people who look like me, Ireland was fairly dull. And there's not much about Ireland that says "big cities, great hotels, and shopping" except perhaps Dublin (Ireland's only big city, which is not big next to London or Paris).

Big cities, great hotels, shopping......
Not really sure if Ireland can deliver on that score.
I think destinations like Barcelona or Nice would be more to your family's taste.
Ireland can deliver when it comes to touring and scenery but I think you are already getting justifiably nervous at the prospect of all six of you retaining sanity on a Irish road trip.

Dublin, Cork and Galway or take them to Belfast and if they are Game of Thrones fans take them on that tour. Titanic museum, shopping and theater.
How about Scotland?

I may be wrong but I think you should start looking at renting options for six- or seven-seater cars fairly soon.

Dublin is great and while there's shopping at all price points, there's not enough shopping to keep you occupied for more than a couple of days at most. The cathedrals, Trinity College, the national museum, the jail, Guiness Brewery etc. are all interesting. It's just not the size of London, Paris, Barcelona, etc.

Ireland's scenic beauty has few rivals. I would follow Tony's suggestions on bases.