EXHIBIT 23


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference  in the  following  Registration
Statements:  (i) Form S-8 (No.  333-40151)  pertaining to the Fourth Amended and
Restated 1989 Stock Option Plan of Silgan  Holdings  Inc.,  (ii)  Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration  Statement (Form S-4 No.  333-30881) on Form
S-3 and related Prospectus  pertaining to the 9% Senior Subordinated  Debentures
due 2009 of Silgan  Holdings Inc., and (iii)  Post-Effective  Amendment No. 1 to
the  Registration  Statement  (Form S-4 No.  333-9979)  on Form S-3 and  related
Prospectus pertaining to the 13-1/4% Subordinated  Debentures due 2006 of Silgan
Holdings  Inc.  of our  report  dated  January  28,  2000  with  respect  to the
consolidated financial statements and schedules of Silgan Holdings Inc. included
in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999.


                                                  /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Stamford, Connecticut
March 8, 2000