The effect of low energy ion irradiation in the nanolaminated Ti 3 AlC 2 is investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The chemical sensitivity and local order probing from core-loss edges provide new insight in the undertanding of structural modifications induced under irradiation. From the analysis of the C K energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) and Al K X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) by ab initio calculations, the influence of the layered structure of this compound on the irradiation damage is demonstrated, with preferentialy localized damage in aluminum planes of the structure. On the basis of comparisons between calculations and the experimental spectra, a strutural model is proposed for the irradiated state. This study emphasizes the utility of core-loss fine structure analysis to further understanding of ion irradiation induced damage in complex crystalline materials.