The Second Ormonde Peace initiated a coalition that sought to unite various factions in Ireland during a tumultuous period defined by the War of the Three Kingdoms. At a time when the conflict was escalating, the Irish Royalists, supporting King Charles I, attempted to align with the Irish Confederates, who were attempting to maintain autonomy and resist English Puritan control. The negotiations were primarily driven by the Duke of James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde, who believed that only a united front could effectively challenge the authority of the English Parliament, especially amid growing tensions and military actions by Oliver Cromwell's forces.

The resulting agreement stipulated military cooperation and political support. However, the coalition proved to be fragile, as differing motivations and priorities emerged within the allied factions. The Royalists sought to restore monarchical rule while the Confederates were primarily focused on securing their own rights and land. These differing aims ultimately undermined their military strength, and soon units from both factions were embroiled in skirmishes rather than a cohesive campaign against foreign domination.

The alliance, while historically significant in the attempt to unify Irish forces, resulted in a substantial setback when Cromwell's New Model Army launched a full-scale invasion. The decisive defeats faced at battles such as the Siege of Drogheda illustrated the inadequacies of the alliance and led to further consolidation of English power in Ireland. The aftermath saw devastating repercussions for the Irish, resulting in confiscation of lands and widespread suffering caused by the war's brutal tactics.