<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>5
<FILENAME>0005.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG
<TEXT>


<PAGE>


                                                                   Exhibit 23.1
                                                                   ------------


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-3 No. 333-55852) of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and in the related Prospectus
of our reports dated January 26, 2001, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedules of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. included in
this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000.


/s/ Ernst & Young

Hamilton, Bermuda

March 28, 2001


</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>