How have lighthouse keeping teams changed?

In the past, Irish lighthouse keepers received very small pay, around 15 pounds per annum, but were allowed to keep the unburned portions of candles, carry on their trades, and even keep a public house in the lighthouse^[1]. At Howth, Wicklow, and Hook Tower, the keeper was also a herb-doctor^[1].

Currently, there are three keepers at a lighthouse at a time to ensure two are always on duty in case one falls ill or dies^[1]. The keepers are on watch for four hours at a time and maintain a log, as well as manage the machinery and check the weather^[1]. Some lighthouses also have assistant keepers^[1].