Family Vacation in Ireland?

What is there to do in Ireland that could interest a teenager. My family all wants to go to Ireland, but it doesn't fascinate me really. They basically just want to go to cathedrals and see the beauty of Ireland, but aren't there cathedrals and beautiful spots in America? I just don't see the need to fly over in these times when you can spend less in America and get more out of it in my opinion. If anyone lives or has visited Ireland, can you try telling me why a teenage boy would enjoy it.