Fiber ring laser based intra-cavity absorption spectroscopic sensor has great potential for high sensitivity gas detection. Using the rate equations and propagation equations, we investigated theoretically factors that affect the sensitivity of such fiber ring laser sensors and determined the optimal design parameters and conditions for significant enhancement of the system sensitivity. Experiments have been conducted to determine the sensitivity enhancement performance. The results showed a factor of 25 ~ 30 in sensitivity enhancement in the experimental system, agreeing well with the theoretical expectations. Experiments on acetylene detection have also been carried out and the results showed that the ring cavity significantly increases the signal absorption and that high sensitivity can be obtained for gas detection.