Exhibit 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
on Form S-8 of Swift  Energy  Company our report dated  February 10, 2003,  with
respect to the consolidated  financial  statements of Swift Energy Company as of
December  31,  2002 and for the year then ended,  included in its Annual  Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002,  filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Houston, Texas
January 20, 2004