In order for his new port to be successful and for ships to safely reach their destination, Pembroke had a 36m high tower built at the mouth of Waterford Harbour.

The tower itself consists of three rib-vaulted chambers in the lower tier, while the upper, narrower section would have carried the warning beacon.

The upper tier is 6m in diameter: originally it supported the beacon fire, which was later replaced by the lantern.

The coal fire was finally abandoned in 1791 when a whale oil-lantern 12 ft. in diameter with 12 lamps was installed.

Paraffin oil became the source of power in 1911, and a clockwork mechanism changed the light from fixed to flashing.

Finally, in 1972 electricity became the power source, and light-sensitive switches were installed to control the lantern.

In March 1996, The Hook Lighthouse was converted to automatic operation, and the last light-keepers who had climbed the stairs and tended the light were permanently withdrawn from the station.

In 2001 the light was opened to the public as a tourist attraction after the old keepers' houses were turned into a visitor centre.

It was felt that the technology on modern ships was so advanced that the fog horn was no longer required.