EXHIBIT 23.1

                        [LETTERHEAD OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN]

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

    As independent public accountants we consent to the incorporation by
reference in the registration statement on Form S8 (File Nos. 333-09168 and
333-93543) of our report dated 29 February 2000, on our audits of the financial
statements of Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc as of December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997 and for the periods then ended, and to all references to our firm included
in this registration statement.

/s/ Arthur Andersen
Arthur Andersen
Abbots House
Abbey Street
Reading
RG1 3BD

30 March 2000