Clifden Community School evolved out of two previous secondary schools, one for girls and one for boys, run respectively by the Sisters of Mercy and the Franciscan Brothers. The decision to build a community school in Clifden was taken on December 18th, 1972. The first meeting of the Board of Management of the school was held in the Convent of Mercy, Clifden on May 17th, 1973. The foundation stone of the current school building was laid on February 22nd, 1974, and the new school was officially opened on May 17th, 1979. Classes were held for the first time in the new building in the 1976/77 school year.