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. and the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
333-106306)  pertaining to the 2002 Non-Employee  Directors Stock Option Plan of
Silgan  Holdings Inc. of our report dated January 28, 2004,  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, 2003.



                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Stamford, Connecticut
March 10, 2004