In the heart of Galway, a quiet revolution is taking place — one that doesn’t demand protest signs or podiums, but rather, open hearts, bare feet, and a willingness to let go. Leading the charge is Gill Carroll, the dynamic entrepreneur and movement coach who is redefining how we think about wellness, connection, and joy.
Best known for her role in creating 56 Central, one of Galway’s most vibrant cafés, Gill is now pouring her passion into a new kind of space — one where movement, music, and mindful connection come together to uplift and inspire. Her latest venture is not just about fitness or flexibility. It is about freedom.
Gill’s work blends yoga, somatic movement, and coaching in a way that feels as refreshing as a sea breeze on Salthill Prom. At the centre of this new chapter is Shake the Dust, an energetic and empowering practice designed to shake off stress, reconnect with the body, and reignite joy. The experience? A heady mix of shaking, jumping, resting, dancing, and yoga — all set to electrifying playlists co-created with DJ Benoit (Brendan Mullen ).
It’s not just about the moves — it’s about the mood. Gill’s sessions create a safe, playful space where people of all ages and abilities can move freely, be themselves, and leave the outside world at the door. Whether you are a lifelong dancer or someone who has not stretched since P.E. class, Gill welcomes you in with open arms and zero judgment.
This isn’t movement for performance. It’s movement for release.
Making space for joy
With years of experience in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and coaching, Gill brings a rare blend of structure and soul to her work. She is a 250-hour Yoga Alliance certified teacher, trained in Yin, Somatic, and Nidra practices, and leads women’s circles, retreats, and empowerment coaching sessions for everyone from solo entrepreneurs to corporate managers.
But it is her intuitive understanding of what people really need — connection, expression, and space to be themselves — that truly sets her apart. Her new classes and retreats are intimate by design, with only 12 spots available per session, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
Her signature classes, including Shake the Dust™, are held twice a month — one for the general public and one specifically for students. Her yoga sessions, which run every second Tuesday, are carefully curated to include either Yin or Somatic styles, both of which focus on deep release and inner restoration.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, Gill is also hosting a one-day retreat on September 27. With only 12 places available, the retreat offers participants a rare opportunity to disconnect from the noise, reset their nervous systems, and walk away with a renewed sense of clarity and calm.
A movement for all
What makes Gill’s work even more impactful is her commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Every single event she hosts includes an “Access for All” ticket option, ensuring that no one is excluded due to financial limitations. It’s not just a generous gesture — it’s a core part of her philosophy. Everyone deserves a space to let go, to play, to heal, and to reconnect.
This autumn, Gill is also extending her reach into the student community. With specially tailored classes that speak directly to the pressures and expectations facing young adults, she is offering students the chance to tune out the noise and tune into themselves. These sessions are more than just workouts — they’re reminders that movement can be fun, freeing, and deeply personal.
Galway gets moving — after dark
Gill’s efforts are also aligned with the Café Lates pilot initiative by Galway City Council. Launched in response to public demand for more vibrant, alcohol-free evening activities, Café Lates is breathing new life into Galway’s after-dark scene. Through this initiative, Gill is using her space at 56 Central to host evening events that combine wellness with social connection, proving that a night out can be nourishing, restorative — and still wildly fun.
Whether it’s a moonlit Shake the Dust class, a soulful yoga evening, or a chilled-out student gathering, these events are quickly becoming a beloved part of Galway’s evolving cultural tapestry.
Creating new spaces — in every sense
Gill’s vision goes far beyond four walls and yoga mats. She is creating spaces in the truest sense — spaces for self-expression, for connection, for vulnerability, and for growth. She is redefining what wellness looks like in a modern, bustling city and proving that joy, movement, and authenticity can be part of everyday life — not just something we seek on holidays or in rare moments of quiet.
And in a world that often values hustle over harmony, her message is timely: Shake it off. Let it go. Come back to yourself.
Whether you are a student finding your footing, a tired parent needing a break, or a busy professional looking to reconnect, Gill’s sessions offer a gentle, joyful reset. They invite you to dance like nobody’s watching — because in her space, nobody is. They’re too busy dancing with you.
How to join in
Ready to move? Youare in good hands. Bookings are now open through Booking Hawk, with limited spaces available for each class and retreat. Stay connected and get a feel for the vibe by following Gill on Instagram at @GillCarrollCoachand @56centralrestaurant.
From spontaneous shaking to grounded stillness, Gill’s offerings are a full-spectrum experience — designed to remind you of what it means to feel alive, connected, and free.
Upcoming Highlights:
Shake the Dust™ – 2 sessions monthly (1 general, 1 student-focused )
Yoga Evenings – Every second Tuesday (Yin or Somatics )
One-Day Retreat – September 27th (Limited to 12 people )
Student Sessions – Specially designed classes for connection and self-expression
Access for All Tickets – Ensuring financial barriers don’t block healing and joy
n a city known for its creativity and spirit, Gill Carroll is tapping into something deep, vibrant, and beautifully human. Through her work, Galway isn’t just moving — it’s shaking off the dust and stepping into something new.
Let this be your invitation to join the movement.
