Fingal Community College first opened in September of 1985. The staff consisted of just three full time teachers and 76 students. The building was shared with Senior Citizens in the first year. There were three general classrooms and a room each for Woodwork/Art, Home Economics and Science. Cleaning staff and a secretary came in for a few hours a week.

As Fingal's reputation grew, the car park got smaller. Prefabricated classrooms were placed on every available space. A major campaign by the Board of Management, staff and the Parents' Council got underway for the provision of an extension. At this stage Fingal was providing a wide range of courses such as Inter Group and Leaving Certificates, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and an optional Transition Year programme. Minister for Education, Niamh Breathanach, and Justice Minister, Nora Owen were all present when the first sod was turned for the £2.6m extension. Finally in 1997 it all became a reality when the extension was opened.

Fingal continues to meet the challenges of modern society with an extensive range of subjects, courses and extra-curricular activities. It offers over 16 subjects for examination at senior level. The Special Needs Department and Teaching English as a Foreign Language classes are constantly being adapted to suit the needs of the students. Sport has become an integral part of school life with many teams doing very well at championship level. Musicals and concerts are a regular occurrence and the talents of all students are encouraged.