The location of Mg cations in the channel of mordenite zeolite was studied using a combination of DFT simulations and IR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO. The calculated adsorption energies and frequencies of CO on Mg cations are in good agreement with the results from the IR spectra of adsorbed CO. It is found that the Mg cations can occupy the sites A, C, D and E in mordenite and the distribution of the Mg cations in these sites follows the priority order, site C > site A > site D and site E.