I got the (back?) shocks replaced on a 1999 Almera with 100k on the clock in 2003. Got it done in Kwik Fit (now Fast Fit?) in Donnybrook IIRC. At the time, I was told by the (indepedent) mechanic that I used to service my car that he couldn't do it cheaper than the likes of Kwik Fit etc. I had also got a quote from a franchise dealer, which was twice what I ended up paying.
I can't remember the cost, something like €250 I think, but I know that front and back shocks cost different amounts.