EXHIBIT 23.1

                  CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


          We  consent  to  the reference  to  our  firm  under the  caption
          "Experts" in  the Registration  Statement (Form S-3)  and related
          Prospectus  of Cairn  Energy USA,  Inc. for  the registration  of
          2,623,260 shares of its common stock, and to the incorporation by
          reference  therein of  our report dated  February 17,  1995, with
          respect to the consolidated  financial statements of Cairn Energy
          USA, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the  year
          ended December 31, 1994,  filed with the Securities  and Exchange
          Commission.  


                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP

          Dallas, Texas
          May 8, 1995