If only that were true. Here's a list of this year's Saint Patrick's Day Parades in Ireland:
http://www.st-patricks-day.com/st_patricks_day_parades_ireland/
I got my information from people who were born and raised in Ireland. Most of them tend to have home parties inviting friends and family. The big thing here are the parades, but parades are not the highlight for the regular folks.