EXHIBIT 23




                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No.  333-40151)  pertaining  to the Fourth  Amended and Restated  1989 Stock
Option Plan of Silgan Holdings Inc. of our report dated January 28, 2003, except
for the second and third paragraphs of Note 20, as to which the date is March 3,
2003, and for the fourth paragraph of Note 20, as to which the date is March 28,
2003,  with respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements and schedules of
Silgan  Holdings  Inc.  included in the Annual  Report  (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2002.


                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Stamford, Connecticut
March 28, 2003