EXHIBIT 23.1


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Shire Pharmaceuticals Group
plc Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-09168, 333-93543, 333-60952
and 333-91552), Form S-4 (333-55696) and Form S-3 (333-72862-01) of our report
dated 26 February 2003 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and
includes an explanatory paragraph referring to the adoption of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, on
1 January 2002), appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Shire
Pharmaceutical Group plc for the year ended 31 December 2002.


/s/  Deloitte & Touche
---------------------------
DELOITTE & TOUCHE
Chartered Accountants
Reading

28 March 2003