This study is concerned with the effect of high energy ion beam irradiation on surface properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy. The study included a characterization of ion beam surface modification zone in terms of microstructure, and mechanical properties like nanohardness,wear, and corrosion resistance of the surface layer were studied in details. Nanohardness of the modification layer was improved about 2 times as that of the as-received AZ91. The corrosion resistance of the modified layer was significantly improved in NaCl solution because of refined grains. The wear resistance of the modification layer was also improved as compared to as-received AZ91.