We spent a few days in Kerry and Cork. This is Crookhaven, lovely place and former shipping hub of southwest Ireland. Rumor has it the term “By hook or by crook” came from here. Goods had to get to where they were going–and they got there via either Crookhaven or Hook Head (in Waterford, on the east coast).
I’ve always liked that expression. It has a sort of folkloric, ruthless, Machiavellian quality. I’m a Machiavellian kinda girl. I tend to believe the ends justify the means. I like learning the origin of things, too, but I have to say, this one seems somewhat less ruthless and folkloric now that I know it’s about shipping…