US Secretary of State John Kerry will pay an official visit to Ireland next weekend.

Secretary Kerry will visit Tipperary to collect the International Peace Award he won last year for his efforts in trying to end conflict in a number of countries.

Former winners of the prize include Nelson Mandela, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

Martin Quinn, secretary of the Tipperary Peace Convention said they are thrilled that John Kerry will accept the award in person.

While Secretary Kerry has said he is truly honoured to be listed among past recipients – which include Irish winners Mary McAleese and Bob Geldof.