QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-155811) and Form S-8 (Nos. 33-99764, 33-41474, 333-50298, 333-111513, 333-135831, 333-135832, 333-152095, 333-159398, 333-168024) of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. of our report dated February 22, 2011 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedules and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 22, 2011

QuickLinks

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM